Abnormal frosts this winter have become a test of endurance for breeders. The best specimens proved not only resistant but also productive. Cherry plum – now not a small fruit weighing 10 grams, but a full‑sized large fruit. Blackberry – with berries up to four centimeters, which can be stored for up to 10 days and easily withstand transportation. And even plum now has a stone that separates effortlessly.

Alexander Taránov, Director of the Fruit Growing Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus: “Belarusian and Russian varieties obtained in the central region are the ones that bear fruit. Everything else does not bear fruit because it is not winter‑hardy.”

Lyudmila Frolova, Head of the Laboratory of Genetic Resources of Berry Crops at the Fruit Growing Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus: “Of all our varieties that we are studying – 32 at present – the Belarusian variety ‘Stefan’ stands out with the largest fruits. The berry can reach a length of up to 4 centimeters. And it is distinguished by a long storage period: in the refrigerator it can lie for up to 10 days.”

Together with Russian scientists, a super‑early plum variety ‘Buzha’ is being developed. After field trials, all successful types are handed over to farmers.