Sour cherry breeding in Poland: insights from an ongoing evolution

01 Nov 2023
2181

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

Post-harvest physiology and technology of sweet cherry

Post-harvest​

01 May 2023

The market recognises a number of key quality characteristics: a brightly coloured fruit, a strong 'cherry' flavour, a green and turgid stalk. Several new technologies have been developed to prolong the fruit's shelf life.

The cherry tree between physiology and management: Mundoagro's course on cherry growing development continues

Events

17 Jun 2024

With more than 500 students and led by Professor Walter Masman, the first lecture explained how new cultivation areas have opened up and how factors such as climate influence this development and even allow other locations to be explored for cultivation.

In evidenza

Cherry season rebounds strongly in New Zealand thanks to returning warm weather

Production

18 Nov 2025

New Zealand’s cherry season is recovering quickly after October’s cold snap. The return of warm weather has boosted growth and pollination, bringing orchards back on schedule and giving growers renewed confidence ahead of the upcoming harvest period.

Gibberellins for bigger cherries: optimal GA₃ timing and dosage in Chile

Crop protection

18 Nov 2025

Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a key plant hormone to enhance cherry size. When applied during the veraison stage, it improves yield and fruit quality. Learn more about optimal doses, agronomic benefits, and guidance for Chilean cultivars prone to stress and cracking.

Tag Popolari