The Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology Holovousy (Czech republic), boasting over five decades of expertise, focuses on the breeding and development of several fruit species, including apple, plum, apricot, and cherry. The extensive effort involved in this endeavour has been duly acknowledged through the registration of around 90 cultivars of fruit species and rootstocks.
Indeed, breeds such as Kordia and Tamara have been selectively propagated at that location. Each year, a total of approximately 500 seedlings are cultivated within greenhouse facilities, resulting from the pollination of approximately 25 parental combinations. Over the course of the breeding programme's inception, a total of over 30 novel cultivars have been introduced.
Tamara, Horka, Felicita, Sandra, Irena, and Elza represent a few examples of these diverse variations. All these cultivars are considered to be superior selections, distinguished by their substantial size and deep red skin colour, as well as their commendable fruit quality. During the process of plant selection, the evaluation of plants is conducted based on their primary fruit quality attributes and their tendency to cracking.
Source: IX International Cherry Symposium
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)
21 Jun 2024
Tuscany region (IT) maintains its leading position in Italy for the number of PDO and PGI labels for wine and food. The 'Ciliegia di Lari PGI' is now the 146th Italian PGI in the food sector and the 324th among all agricultural geographical indications in Italy.
18 Jul 2025
A late spring frost has severely impacted Michigan’s cherry harvest, with tart cherry yields expected to drop by 45% and sweet cherries by 30%. Despite excellent fruit quality, the reduced supply across the region is expected to lead to significantly higher market prices.
05 Dec 2025
South Africa’s cherry exports are growing fast: in 2024 over 800 hectares were in production. 60% go to the UK, followed by the EU and Middle East. China is the next frontier for 2026, with cold treatment protocols under evaluation to meet phytosanitary rules.
05 Dec 2025
Bloom Fresh cherries are transforming the global fruit market with new early and blush varieties. Grown in Chile, Spain, South Africa and France, premium selections like Cheery Glow and Cheery Treat meet rising demand from Asia, China and the United States.
