The evolution of the plastome and genetic diversity of sweet cherry in China

Breeding

18 Feb 2026

Study in China on 110 sweet cherry plastomes (Prunus avium) reveals three maternal lineages and a marked reduction in genetic diversity among modern cultivars. A clear plastid bottleneck emerges, with implications for breeding, traceability and climate resilience.

Sustainable management of bacterial canker defence in cherry trees

Crop protection

17 Feb 2026

An INIA study published in Plants explains why bacterial canker of cherry remains persistent in Chile. Researchers analyzed Pseudomonas syringae populations adapted to local conditions and more resistant to copper, supporting more integrated and sustainable management strategies.

Calcium-based treatments and MAP packaging improve the quality and shelf life of cherries 

Post-harvest​

17 Feb 2026

A study on ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherries shows that combining 4% calcium chloride with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces weight loss, respiration and decay, preserving organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds during cold storage and extending overall shelf life.

The sterile insect technique for integrated control of Drosophila suzukii in cherry trees

Crop protection

17 Feb 2026

In Chile, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) moves into the pilot phase to control Drosophila suzukii in cherries. Led by the Fruit Development Foundation, the project aims to reduce pests, limit pesticide use and support exports with a sustainable and targeted approach.

Sweet cherry rootstocks for the Pacific Northwest

Rootstocks

16 Feb 2026

Technical guide to sweet cherry rootstocks in the Pacific Northwest comparing Gisela, Krymsk, Mazzard, Mahaleb and Corette for vigor, yield efficiency, planting density, disease tolerance and adaptation to Oregon and Washington conditions, with tables and practical insights.

A new biopesticide for controlling Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

16 Feb 2026

Drosophila suzukii threatens soft fruit production in Africa. Research on Metarhizium anisopliae highlights the strong performance of isolate ICIPE 78, showing rapid mortality, horizontal transmission and fly attraction, offering sustainable pest control strategies.

Optimization of drying methods for sweet cherries to maximize quality, nutrients, and color

Processed

13 Feb 2026

A joint study by Turkish institutes and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (Pakistan) compares three sweet cherry drying technologies: MWD, MWHAD and Solar Tunnel Drying. Drying time, color, sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds were evaluated for quality.

Cherries and economic sustainability: the new frontier of modern orchards

Production

13 Feb 2026

In modern cherry orchards, economic sustainability is now essential. From varietal selection to season management, including yield, storage and packhouse efficiency, genetics and operational performance drive profitability across the global cherry supply chain.

Cherry cracking: Hannover study rejects Parka® rain protection claims

Crop protection

12 Feb 2026

A University of Hannover study shows that Parka®, a fatty-acid-based cuticle supplement, does not reduce rain-induced cherry cracking. Trials on six cultivars found no effect on cuticle mass, elasticity or fruit water uptake under simulated rainfall conditions.

Prunus Genetics: 25 years of data transform modern breeding

Breeding

12 Feb 2026

A 25-year genetic data analysis from the Genome Database for Rosaceae identifies 16 QTL hotspots and 17 syntenic regions across Prunus species. The findings strengthen breeding strategies for peach, sweet cherry and almond, improving fruit quality, yield and disease resistance.