To document the development of new "CITH" varieties, ICAR- Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture Kashmir (India) initiated a rigorous investigation starting in 1996 under the Project "Survey, Collection, Characterization, and Documentation of Temperate Fruit Crops".
The institute has identified and collected variability from the century-old varieties Biggareau Napoleon, Bigarreau Noir Grossa, Guigne Noir Hative, etc. Currently, the institute has a germplasm bank with 30 genotypes of sweet and sour cherries.
Of these, four promising genotypes have been identified, namely, CITH-Cherry-03, CITH-Cherry-05, CITH-Cherry-07, and CITH-Cherry-09. The CITH-Sweet cherry clones, selected from the Double and Misri varieties, bear larger fruits and are attractive in shape and color with a high total soluble solids content and pulp/stone ratio. The new varieties are of good quality with high fruit set (50-80%) under normal conditions.
For more information on CITH varieties, download the PDF here
16 Feb 2024
The greenhouse was built in 2019 and the micro-grafted cherry trees were planted in 2020. The goal is an early harvest, which will take place between 10 and 20 May and should reach a production of 20 tonnes/hectare in the early part of the European season.
25 Apr 2025
A study on Chinese cherry in Guizhou uncovers broad karyotypic variation in 28 local accessions. These results offer key insights for breeding programs and highlight the genetic value of Prunus pseudocerasus in Chinese agriculture.
12 Aug 2026
A study of 27 Hungarian and international sour cherry cultivars examines genetics, anthocyanins and fruit pigmentation. Results show that fruit colour depends mainly on gene expression and regulators such as MYB10, rather than on overall genetic relatedness among cultivars.
12 Aug 2026
In Chile, effective cherry tree branching can accelerate fruit production and improve yield potential. Hydrogen cyanamide, Promalin, gibberellic acid and targeted bud treatments help stimulate healthy, uniform lateral branches and support efficient orchard development.
