Sour cherry breeding in Poland: insights from an ongoing evolution

01 Nov 2023
2688

An important challenge encountered in the cultivation of sour cherries in Poland is the detrimental impact of spring frosts on the flowers and flower blossoms. Additionally, certain diseases, including brown rot (Monilia spp.), cherry leaf spot (caused by Blumeriella jaapi), and bacterial cancer (Pseudomonas syringae), have a substantial impact on both the fruit's yield and quality.

Considering the issues associated with a shortage of fieldworkers, particularly during harvest season, the necessity to adjust to these numerous challenges becomes evident. This is most effectively accomplished by a beeding programme and a selection of new cultivars with features adapted to those required.

Firstly, it is essential a high acclimatation ability to the polish environmental conditions; this also entails a lower vulnerability to the main sour cherry diseases. Secondly, plants need to be adapted to mechanical harvesting and intensive cultivation systems. Finally, the introduction of new cultivars should prolong the harvesting season.

To date, the production of cultivated cherries is relatively conservative, as the highly productive and spring frost resistant Schattenmorelle accounts for more than 75% of the total production. The Agricultural University in Lublin developed cv. Nefris in 1997, while the Agricultural University in Poznan produced Agat, Ametyst, Dradem, and Diament as a result of the breeding programme implemented in Poland.

 Among the cultivars produced by the Institute of Horticultural and Breeding were Wilen, Wilga, Lucyna, Wanda, Koral, and Kolia. These new selections demonstrate the commitment of Polish research institutes to new solutions that can guarantee quality sour cherry production, even in challenging scenarios such as the one we are currently facing.

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

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Impact of GA3 application on sweet cherry fruit development

Quality

21 Oct 2024

An English study tested the application of gibberellic acid on sweet cherry trees for fruit development. GA3 is known for its ability to induce parthenocarpy, the formation of seedless fruits, in various plant species. However, effectiveness varies depending on the species.

Climate, profitability and Chinese demand: focus on Chile in USDA report

Production

11 Sep 2024

The demand for Chilean cherries is high from the Chinese market, which receives over 91% of Chile’s cherry export volume. Post estimates that cherry production in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 will reach 500,000 metric tons (MT), an increase of 6.8% compared to MY2023/24.

In evidenza

Microorganisms increase salt tolerance in Gisela 6 cherry rootstock

Rootstocks

13 Mar 2026

Research published in Scientific Reports shows that PGPR bacteria Pantoea ananatis and Bacillus aryabhattai increase salt stress tolerance in the Gisela 6 cherry rootstock, improving plant growth, photosynthesis efficiency and antioxidant defenses under saline soil conditions.

Chilean cherries in Guangzhou: strong demand between retail sales and gifting culture

Consumption

13 Mar 2026

Chilean cherries remain a key winter fruit in Guangzhou supermarkets. Demand is supported by household purchases, gifting traditions and retail promotions. Despite a more cautious Chinese market and a complex season, consumer trust continues to support sales.

Tag Popolari