Multivariate characterization of breeding value and evaluation of genetic divergence in five blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) varieties are presented. In the study general combining ability effects (GCA) estimated over two years in a full-diallel cross design (Griffing’s method 1) for fruit yield per plant, yield-contributing traits and resistance traits have been elaborated. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) according to the fixed Griifing’s model and canonical variate analysis for GCA effects have been used. The suggested statistical approach delivers information for two known and commonly accepted criterions of successful selecting parents for crosses in breeding programs, both multivariate estimates of GCA effects of parents and their genetic distances, here based on multivariate GCA effects. GCA effects for fruit yield per plant, bush vigour, spring frost damage to flowers, infestation by white pine blister rust and powdery mildew had the largest discrimination power in multivariate GCA divergence of the parents. It was proved that the breeding value of potential parents regarding productivity attributes could be the predominant criterion of proper parents selecting for crosses in blackcurrant breeding. Genetic distance evaluated on the basis of multivariate GCA effects has not been a powerful predictor of progenies productivity. The paper is thought mainly as experimental, methodological study on effective using and usefulness of the suggested statistical procedure in researches for plant breeding purposes. The showed results could be also meaningful for blackcurrant breeding.

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