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
02 May 2025
The 2024/2025 season turned critical for Chilean cherries, marked by record harvests, phytosanitary challenges, fake news, and logistical chaos. Mario Edwards of the Cherry Committee calls for unity, self-regulation, and quality to regain global market trust.
26 Jun 2025
A study from Yantai, China shows that brassinolide application improves the storage of “Tieton” cherries, significantly reducing cold damage, weight loss, and degradation of visual and nutritional quality of the fruits during prolonged cold storage conditions.
10 Apr 2026
The first Spanish greenhouse cherries reach the European market with very limited volumes and prices up to €80/kg. Strong demand from the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the UK, while the open-field season may start later than usual, impacting exports.
10 Apr 2026
A study on 22 sweet cherry cultivars in Zaragoza examines how warmer winters affect dormancy and flowering. Declining winter chill alters phenology and threatens yield, varietal adaptation and long-term sustainability in Mediterranean growing regions.
