The Vineland Research Station of the University of Guelph in Canada has recently released a new early-ripening sweet cherry variety characterized by large fruit size, good firmness, excellent quality, and reasonable tolerance to cracking.
Already trialed for several years in various countries and regions, including British Columbia (Canada), Washington State (USA), Zaragoza (Spain), Chile (at several locations), and New Zealand, the new variety has been patented and commercialized by Calissi Farm under the name Prism® V690630*.
Prism® cherries are highly attractive, with large fruit size and a shape ranging from kidney-shaped to round and slightly flattened. The fruit features mahogany-colored skin, dark red to nearly black flesh, and a medium-length stem.
The cherries are firm and flavorful, showing excellent resistance to brown rot and good resistance to rain-induced cracking. The fruit also has a well-balanced sugar-to-acid ratio.
Prism® trees have a spreading growth habit, are productive, and exhibit moderate resistance to bacterial canker.
Prism® comes into bearing early and is self-fertile (compatibility group O, universal pollen donor). Due to its self-fertility, appropriate pruning is required to prevent excessive fruit set.
The variety has also performed well under low-chill conditions.
James Calissi
Calissi Farm
James@calissifarms.com
15 Sep 2026
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A study in a commercial cherry orchard in Turkey shows that variable-rate irrigation, supported by satellite imagery and soil moisture monitoring, can cut irrigation water use by up to 49% while maintaining marketable yields and fruit quality, even in very hot weather.
15 Oct 2026
In Canada, Vineland's sweet cherry breeding program presents five selections, including Prism®. Fruit up to 30 mm in diameter, early ripening, self-fertility and resistance to rain cracking highlight the key traits of these new cherry varieties for Canadian growers.
