Elzbieta Rozpara: Polish sour cherry production and future research trends

31 Oct 2023
3224

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

Flowering and fertility in sweet cherry trees: management strategies and bud analysis

Tech management

15 Nov 2024

The floral induction phase establishes the quantity of flowers while floral differentiation establishes the quality of flowers in terms of floral organ formation. The phases depend on orchard management in terms of water, nutrition and light.

Superfresh Growers increases cherry production to +12%: 2024 is record-breaking

Production

05 Aug 2024

The 2024 harvest was expected to be 20.9 million boxes, with a 12% increase compared to a year ago. The industry continues to pack greater quantities than expected and reached a peak in July 9th, with an overall volume that continues to appear above the five-year average.

In evidenza

Pigmentation variability in sour cherry: fruit color does not reflect genetic relatedness

Breeding

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.

Technical update on branching strategies in cherry orchards

Tech management

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.

Tag Popolari