Sour cherry breeding in Poland: insights from an ongoing evolution

01 Nov 2023
2480

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

Early detection of graft incompatibility in sweet cherry

Rootstocks

14 Aug 2024

A recent study conducted by Iranian researchers evaluated the predictions of graft compatibility or incompatibility in sweet cherry trees by internode association and callus fusion techniques. The aim was to identify reliable markers for incompatibility early detection.

New device improves efficiency of mechanical sour cherry picking

Tech management

04 Jun 2024

The project from Utah State University and Michigan State University has the objective to apply precision agriculture strategies to optimize irrigation, nutrition, and canopy management. One of the components is to develop a yield monitoring solution for tart cherries.

In evidenza

Cherries 2025/26 in China: record volumes, falling prices and a more selective market

Markets

26 Jan 2026

The 2025/26 cherry season in China is marked by high volumes, strong logistical pressure and a rapid fall in prices. Chinese buyers are becoming more selective, penalising early fruit and challenging traditional Chilean export models and established commercial strategies.

France: Salvi’s high-density cherry orchard open day draws strong interest

Events

26 Jan 2026

Over 60 growers and technicians joined Salvi’s High-Density Cherry Orchard Open Day in Monteux, France. The Sweet Series by the University of Bologna was featured, with a focus on pruning, yield, fruit quality, and strategies for modern, profitable, sustainable and innovative orc

Tag Popolari