Sweet cherries are self-incompatible and cannot be fertilized by their own pollen. A gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system determines fertility in sweet cherries and prevents pollination with own and genetically related pollen.
This mechanism is controlled by a multi-allelic S-locus coding for two genes involved in fertilization: the S-allele-specific ribonuclease (S-RNase) expressed in the female style and the S-specific F-box protein (SFB) in the male pollen. Since the beginning of the 20th century, systematic studies have been carried out to describe the fertilization relationships between sweet cherry cultivars.
Since then, information on the S-genotypes of sweet cherry cultivars has been constantly increasing. This information is very important for cherry growing, breeding, and breeding research. The S-genotypes of sweet cherry cultivars were collected by evaluating S-allele studies described in the literature. The S-genotypes of 1,700 sweet cherry accessions were recorded.
A summary of all the results of S-genotyping in sweet cherries can be found in "Self-incompatibility (S) genotypes of cultivated sweet cherries – An overview 2023-Update" published in the OpenAgrar repository, https://doi.org/10.5073/20230302-143854-0
Mirko Schuster, Susan Schröpfer, Henryk Flachowsky
Institute for Breeding Research on Fruit Crops, Julius Kühn-Institut (DE)
01 May 2023
FRUIT LUXURY COMPANY S.L., a family business located in Albalate de Cinca (Huesca), has six hectares of cherry trees cultivated in greenhouses with the aim of anticipating production and protecting them from bad weather such as rain, hail or wind.
28 May 2025
In British Columbia, the 2025 cherry season is shaping up to be exceptional: harvest from mid-June to August, Canadian Cherry Month, and “I Farm For” stories showcasing growers. A vibrant year of flavour, community, identity, and proud Canadian agricultural tradition.
14 May 2026
The Cereza del Jerte PDO is focusing on quality, traceability and new varieties to strengthen exports and its presence in global markets. After nearly 2,000 certified tonnes last season, the 2026 fruit promises excellent flavour, more visibility and higher certified volumes.
14 May 2026
Early cherries in Chile are entering a decisive phase: being first on the market is no longer enough. Growers need consistent quality, production stability, agronomic precision and targeted commercial strategies to turn volumes into value and compete in the Chinese market.
