Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) ARBAT

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 'Arbat' (Арбат)

Russian large-fruited thornless variety with high yield.

'Arbat' is a Russian large-fruited raspberry variety that has gained popularity thanks to its huge fruits (up to 18 g) and thornless shoots. It was bred in Moscow by Professor Kichina. It provides high and stable yields of sweet, aromatic fruits and is characterized by generally healthy plants.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Exceptionally large fruits (4 – 12 g, rarely up to 18 g).
• Thornless shoots (facilitate harvesting and maintenance).
• High yield (4 – 5 kg per bush, more with good care).
• Excellent sweet taste and transportability.
• Resistance to major diseases and pests.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia (Moscow)
• Institution: Institute of Horticulture (VSTISP), author Prof. V. V. Kichina
• Parentage: Hybrids №8210В1 × 7518Еб (origin Scotland)
• History: Selection 1990, propagation since 1996

Variety Characteristics

Bush

• Growth: Medium height (1.5 – 2.0 m), spreading, vigorous.
• Shoots: Thick, strong, flexible, and completely thornless.
• Leaves: Large, dark green, with wrinkled surface.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Very large, typically 4 – 12 g, max. up to 18 g.
• Shape and Color: Elongated, conical, dark red, shiny.
• Flesh and Taste: Juicy, melting, sweet with pleasant aroma and few seeds.
• Firmness: Fruits are firm and transport well.
• Usage: Fresh consumption, processing (jams, drying).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Medium (down to -30 °C). In harsher winters, bending shoots under snow is recommended.
• Disease resistance: On par with the best standard varieties.

Harvest and Storage

• Ripening time: Mid-early (from July 8 – 10). Harvest in 3 – 4 waves.
• Type: Summer bearing (non-remontant).
• Yield: High (approx. 20 t/ha).