A groundbreaking study published in Horticulture Research in September 2023 offers hope for the decline of sweet cherry production in France. The application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with multi-local models and three reference genomes marked a significant advance in cherry breeding research. GWAS identified 65 unique SNP-trait associations in eight traits, identifying several candidate genes involved in critical metabolic pathways.
The research uses genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to identify genetic markers associated with improved fruit quality. The researchers analysed 23 agronomic fruit quality traits over several years, using a collection of 116 sweet cherry accessions. This meticulous study revealed significant phenotypic variation in fruit quality, highlighting the complex genetic architecture influencing these traits.
Through the use of GBS, an innovative approach for high-density SNP analysis, the team precisely explored the genetic landscape of sweet cherries. This facilitated the identification of key associations between SNPs and traits, providing valuable information on the genetic basis of desirable fruit traits.
The results not only improve the understanding of genetic control of fruit quality in sweet cherries but also pave the way for the development of marker-assisted selection strategies. These techniques promise to accelerate breeding efforts by adapting them to consumer preferences and producers' needs in the face of climate change.
The research underlines the potential of genetics to mitigate the impacts of climate change on sweet cherry production. As global temperatures rise, cherry trees face increasing biological and environmental pressures, and the identification of genetic markers is a key step in the development of resistant varieties.
This study contributes significantly to horticultural science, illuminating the genetic basis of sweet cherry fruit quality and offering hope to growers and researchers. In a context of climate change, genetic research becomes crucial to ensure the sustainability of cherry production for future generations.
Read the full article: BNN Breaking
31 Jul 2024
The investigation by Çukurova University and the Bursa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture (Turkey) was to verify the energy yield of the product, the total cost/profit values and the amount of CO2 emissions of sweet cherry cultivation.
Markets Production Press review
24 Jan 2024
Due to their differentiated quality, these cherries obtained the first Denomination of Origin of the province. Furthermore, the cherries produced in Los Antiguos are the last to be harvested in the southern hemisphere, in the period between December and mid-February.
23 Jun 2025
Hungary's 2025 sour cherry harvest plummets to just 35,000 tons following devastating spring frosts. With key growing regions severely impacted and processing industry stocks nearly depleted, the market faces significant price hikes and widespread supply shortages across Europe.
23 Jun 2025
Chile’s cherry industry is turning organic. Growers and experts adopt bioinputs, biocontrol and field validation to meet global demands and reduce environmental impact. Between El Niño cycles and climate stress, biological tools are shaping the orchard of tomorrow.
