After several years of experimentation and investment in production, the Sweet Aryana cherry variety PA1UNIBO*, the result of research conducted by the Department of Agri-Food Science and Technology - DISTAL of the University of Bologna, is now available on the Asian market.
ANA Chile, a leading Chilean company in the global management of fruit varieties, has launched this cherry on the Asian market. Characterised by sweetness, crunchiness and exceptional organoleptic properties, the Sweet Aryana PA1UNIBO* has been exclusive to ANA Chile in Chile, Argentina and Peru since 2019. In 2023, the company sold 2.4 million plants to local producers, extending cultivation to over 2,200 hectares in Chile.
The recent Chilean production season has been complex for all cherry varieties due to climatic problems affecting stone fruit, causing a deficit in cold weather accumulation, irregular flowering and splitting due to spring rains. Despite this, more than 63 tonnes of this variety were exported to China in 2023, a lower volume than expected but still 94% more than the previous year. This made it possible to assess the performance of the variety in Asia.
The considerable number of plants sold in Chile and the commercial debut in China in 2023 are the result of a long journey that highlights the potential of the genetic improvement activities conducted by the University of Bologna. The institute has a long history in the genetic improvement of fruits, with a focus on cherries, pears, apples and kiwis.
The genetic improvement of the cherry tree has been an important focus since the 1980s, with a programme initiated in 2000 that resulted in the renowned Sweet Series, a group of high-quality cherry varieties with different seasonality but outstanding and uniform organoleptic and aesthetic characteristics.
The varieties were registered in the European system for plant variety rights under the names PA1UNIBO*, PA2UNIBO*, PA3UNIBO*, PA4UNIBO* and PA5UNIBO*, together with the trademarks Sweet Aryana, Sweet Lorenz, Sweet Gabriel, Sweet Valina and Sweet Saretta. In 2015, the series was expanded with PA7UNIBO* Sweet Stephany, followed by the earlier PA8UNIBO* Sweet Dave.
In 2014, the Marysa variety, characterised by earliness, high productivity, dark-red skin and a distinctive aroma, was added to the extensive range. This contribution further enriches the institute's offer, meeting the various needs of producers and consumers.
Source: Fruitbook Magazine
05 Nov 2025
For ten years, the FabLab at the University of Chile has been promoting biofabrication as a path to reduce waste and regenerate natural resources. Using cherry pits, innovators create new sustainable materials and design solutions that merge science, art, and environmental care.
28 Aug 2025
Spanish cherries secure official approval for export to China after a landmark bilateral agreement signed in Beijing. Following strict phytosanitary inspections and full traceability guarantees, the opening of this market marks a major strategic step for Spain’s agri-food sector.
23 Apr 2026
Corette® rootstocks by Agromillora show strong adaptability to Mediterranean soils in Spain. Trials highlight good yields, early production and suitability for intensive orchards, improving efficiency, fruit quality and long-term sustainability.
23 Apr 2026
A Tasmanian research project examines how rain covers alter orchard microclimates, analysing impacts on cherry quality, yield and tree growth. Findings will help growers manage hotter summers, extreme rainfall events and the increasing challenges of climate change.
