Biological features of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Hybrids

Abstract

Actuality. The jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an ancient and valuable fruit and medicinal crop, now cultivated in at least 48 countries. Its popularity is driven by its high nutritional content and wide range of medicinal applications. In Ukraine, the crop requires specific breeding efforts for successful expansion beyond its traditional southern area. The main goals are to increase winter hardiness, select varieties requiring less heat for ripening (before the end of the growing season in the Forest-Steppe region), and develop forms with large, tasty fruits that are also spineless. Purpose of the study is to investigate the biological characteristics of jujube that is crucial for its successful cultivation in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe region of Ukraine.