Cherry breeding projects and new rootstocks with the Corette® series

11 Jun 2024
1094

Cherry Times offers its readers the reports on cherry rootstocks presented at the Macfrut 2024 International Rootstock Symposium.

The most important advance in rootstock breeding for sweet and sour cherry occurred near the turn of the century, with the commercialization of the Gisela series of interspecific Prunus hybrids that conferred precocity, productivity, and a range of vigor levels to scion varieties.

This stimulated horticultural and physiological research that led to innovations in sweet cherry orchard production systems, resulting in improved yields, fruit quality, and labor efficiencies.

Consequently, Michigan State University sour cherry breeder Amy Iezzoni began evaluating dozens of sour cherry crosses and collected germplasm for their potential as cherry rootstocks, resulting in the Corette® series of precocious and productive dwarfing to semi-dwarfing rootstocks (Cass, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Lake) and several semi-vigorous, less precocious rootstocks (Lincoln, King).

Image 1: Gregory Lang.

Sweet and sour cherry scions grafted onto the dwarfing to semi-dwarfing rootstocks exhibit relative vigor levels that vary from site to site, based on results thus far from the NC140 coordinated research trials across North America. Relative yields also have varied by site and by year (given some significant impacts of extreme climatic events in some locations).

In general, vigor levels and productivity are comparable to those exhibited by trees on Gisela® 3 and Gisela® 5. In several sites, suckering has been excessive on Clare and significant on Cass and Lake, with minimal suckering generally observed on Clinton and Crawford (similar to Gisela® 3 and 5). At least three more years of data from these trials, and other observations, is needed before strong grower recommendations can be made.

Download the full report here

Download the presentation here

Gregory A. Lang
Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University
langg@msu.edu


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Ganaspis kimorum: the Netherlands is studying how to integrate it to combat Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

16 Dec 2024

Before the wasp can be introduced in the Netherlands, much remains to be done. Herman Helsen: ‘We have to prove that the introduction of the parasitic wasp will not disrupt the entire native fauna. A dossier is required for this authorisation'.

The challenges of the Chilean sweet cherry season: from uncertain forecasts to future solutions

Production

29 Aug 2024

The sweet cherry season in Chile has been marked by a series of challenges that tested the entire supply chain. The uncertainty in production volumes, caused by inaccurate forecasts and adverse weather conditions, has negatively impacted the entire production process.

In evidenza

Sweet cherry in Chile: calcium and boron improve fruit quality and nutrition

Tech management

02 Jul 2025

A research study conducted in Chile shows how calcium and boron significantly impact sweet cherry growth and fruit quality. Adequate boron levels enhance calcium translocation, improve cell wall structure, and contribute to better shelf life and fewer physiological disorders.

Chilean cherries, 2025/26 season at a crossroads: quality over quantity

Markets

02 Jul 2025

Chile's 2025/26 cherry season begins amid major challenges: oversupply, logistics breakdowns, and price drops. The industry now focuses on quality, sustainability, alternative markets, and stronger coordination to reduce risks and sustain global leadership.

Tag Popolari