Blackcurrant material from the gooseberry ("Ribes grossularia"), the red currant ("Ribes rubrum") and the flowering currant ("Ribes sanguineum"). The resulting offspring were further back-crossed to "R. nigrum". Cultivars produced include 'Tisel' and 'Tiben' in 2000 and 'Ores', 'Ruben' and 'Tines' in 2005. Further cultivars 'Polares' and 'Tihope' are being tested. Since 1991, New Zealand has become an important centre for research and development, as its temperate climate is particularly suitable for cultivation of the crop. Breeding programmes are concentrating on yield, large fruit size, consistency of cropping and upright habit. In North America, there is a need for this fruit to
Idiosoma nigrum Idiosoma nigrum Idiosoma nigrum, also called Black rugose trapdoor spider, occurs only in south-western Australia, in dry woodlands east of the Darling Scarp and north to Moore River. Females can reach a length of about 30mm, males about 18mm. "I. nigrum" digs burrows up to 32 cm deep. The species name is derived from Latin "Niger" "black". The Black Rugose Trapdoor Spider is adapted for life in semi-arid habitats. They live in burrows up to 32 cm deep. These spiders construct an arrangement of leaves and twigs radiating out from the burrow entrance to serve as remote sensing device -