All the news for Breeding

Genomics and cherries: the race is on in Jerte to develop new varieties better suited to the market

Breeding

16 Apr 2026

Genomics is accelerating cherry breeding in Spain’s Jerte Valley: Cicytex and local cooperatives launch a 2026-2030 project to identify new varieties faster, analysing 1,000 trees and 110 cultivars in one of Europe’s leading modern cherry-growing regions.

The surprising genetic reason why cherry trees all bloom at the same time.

Breeding

13 Apr 2026

Cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. create a stunning spring display with thousands of identical trees. Behind this beauty lies a weakness: cloning makes them more vulnerable to pests and diseases, leading experts to develop stronger, more resilient varieties.

Spanish researchers have identified a genotype of evergreen cherry

Breeding

20 Mar 2026

A study in Spain examines an evergrowing sweet cherry genotype unable to enter dormancy. The research highlights altered expression of DAM genes and offers new insights for genetic improvement and adaptation to climate change in temperate fruit crops.

Sweet cherry breeding in Romania: new cultivars for yield, quality and resilience

Breeding

19 Mar 2026

Cherry breeding programs in Romania are developing early and late varieties with higher yields and improved resistance. These innovations extend harvest windows, enhance fruit quality, and support adaptation to climate change and evolving market demands.

New genomic technologies serving the Canadian cherry breeding programme

Breeding

05 Mar 2026

British Columbia produces over 90% of Canada’s cherries and is investing in genomics to tackle extreme weather and global market pressures. New technologies aim to shorten breeding cycles, improve climate resilience, and strengthen competitiveness and the regional economy.

The evolution of the plastome and genetic diversity of sweet cherry in China

Breeding

18 Feb 2026

Study in China on 110 sweet cherry plastomes (Prunus avium) reveals three maternal lineages and a marked reduction in genetic diversity among modern cultivars. A clear plastid bottleneck emerges, with implications for breeding, traceability and climate resilience.

Prunus Genetics: 25 years of data transform modern breeding

Breeding

12 Feb 2026

A 25-year genetic data analysis from the Genome Database for Rosaceae identifies 16 QTL hotspots and 17 syntenic regions across Prunus species. The findings strengthen breeding strategies for peach, sweet cherry and almond, improving fruit quality, yield and disease resistance.

The AKR gene family in sweet cherry: molecular bases of tolerance to abiotic stresses

Breeding

29 Jan 2026

A genomic study identifies 38 AKR genes in sweet cherry, key to drought, salinity, and hormonal stress responses. The findings offer new opportunities for breeding resilient cultivars, vital for climate adaptation and increased crop stability and yield.

Embryo rescue in sweet cherry: how harvest time, nutrient medium, and genetics determine the success of early selection

Breeding

28 Jan 2026

Embryo rescue is a key technique to improve early sweet cherry propagation by overcoming embryo abortion. A study from Washington State University explores culture media, hormones, and fruit stages to enhance in vitro germination with promising outcomes.

Update on WSU cherry breeding programme: new varieties on the way

Breeding

14 Jan 2026

Washington State University introduces R19, a new sweet and early cherry variety with premium traits for growers and consumers. Part of the WSU cherry breeding program, R19 aims to improve the start of the cherry season in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.