Elzbieta Rozpara: Polish sour cherry production and future research trends

31 Oct 2023
2734

Poland is one of the leading fruit producers, with a per capita production of 146 kg of fruit. Among the cultivated species, the production of sour cherries stands out, reaching 183 thousand tonnes in 2022, making it one of the largest producers in the world.

In fact, the sour cherry is widely cultivated in Poland due to the plant's excellent resistance to low winter temperatures and the suitability of the soil for this crop. Another interesting feature is the fruit's phenolic component, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which could counteract the harmful effects of free radicals, implicated in the development of diseases such as the cardiovascular ones.

However, the combination of labour shortage and high labour costs has necessitated a change in orchard structure and management techniques.

Elzbieta Rozpara

For example, orchards with historical cultivars are characterised by a low planting density (4 m between trees in the row), which is well suited to harvesting with trunk shakers. Modern plantations (1.2 m – 1.5 m between trees in the row), on the other hand, are better suited to harvesting with cherry harvester. Of the total product, most is processed, either into concentrated juice or frozen products, while only 9% is destined for fresh consumption.

The new research directions are towards the breeding of new varieties suitable for fresh consumption such, with sweeter and large fruits but not only: there is the need to conduct research on organic sour cherry production as well as on the study and elaboration of new processed products.


Source: http://2021.cherries.org.cn/replayEn.html

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

First report of Rhizobium rhizogenes as causal agent of crown gall on blueberry and cherry in Chile

Crop protection

04 Mar 2025

For the first time, Rhizobium rhizogenes has been identified as a pathogenic agent of crown gall in Chile. Crown gall is a disease causing tumorous deformations in plant tissues and significant economic losses, particularly in nurseries.

South African season peak: Tru-Cape laments weather conditions, 20% loss on production

Markets

28 Nov 2023

The total Tru-Cape crop dropped from an estimated 520 tons to just over 400 tons due to unfavorable weather conditions, especially during flowering and fruit set, also blamed on a frost wave in September that affected several producers.

In evidenza

Irrigazione deficitaria in post-raccolta su cv “Santina”: risultati studio in Cile

Tech management

15 Apr 2026

Uno studio dell’Universidad de Concepcion in Cile analizza l’irrigazione deficitaria controllata nel ciliegio “Santina” nel post-raccolta, evidenziando effetti su fisiologia, resa e microbiota del suolo, senza riduzioni produttive significative e con benefici nell’uso dell’acqua.

Chile is promoting its frozen fruit: blueberries are leading the way, whilst cherries are gaining ground

Processed

15 Apr 2026

Chile’s frozen fruit sector is expanding rapidly, with +26% in volume and +30% in value in 2024 and continued growth in 2025. Blueberries dominate exports, while cherries and raspberries gain momentum thanks to innovation, modern facilities and shifting global demand.

Tag Popolari