Black currant plant named `Ben Connan`

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of black currant (i.e., Ribes nigrum L.) is provided. The cultivar forms attractive very large deep black glossy berries in good yields that are amenable to mechanical harvesting. A vigorous and compact growth habit commonly is exhibited. A cup-shaped plant commonly is formed wherein slightly fewer branches are present at the center. The new cultivar flowers early and the berries mature early. Good resistance to American gooseberry mildew is exhibited. The new cultivar is well suited for consumption when freshly picked or can be canned to form jams, preserves, conserves, etc.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of black currant plant having the following combination of characteristics: (a) an early flowering propensity,   (b) a vigorous and compact growth habit capable of forming a cup-shaped plant with slightly fewer branches at the center that is amenable to mechanical fruit harvest,   (c) the ability to bear very large glossy deep black fully-ripened berries of good quality in high yields that mature early in the season and are particularly well suited for fresh consumption or for canning, and   (d) exhibits good resistance to American gooseberry mildew; substantially as herein shown and described.