All the news for Breeding

Understanding fruit cracking in sweet cherry: physiological dynamics, varietal influence and implications for breeding

Breeding

19 Dec 2025

Cracking in sweet cherry fruit can lead to total crop loss. A Ukrainian study highlights genetic and morphological causes, showing how variety and ripening time affect split types. Cultivars like Mliivska žovta, Mirazh and Amazonka showed the best resilience.

A “genetic bitmap” on cherry cracking: comparison between modern molecular technologies used in breeding

Breeding

11 Dec 2025

An innovative study compares qPCR and dPCR to analyze genes linked to fruit cracking in cherries. Eight molecular markers were identified to support genetic improvement, early diagnosis and field strategies against cracking, a key challenge in cherry farming.

New rootstocks for sour cherry in Bulgaria: Argo 1 and 2 improve orchard resilience

Breeding

12 Nov 2025

Two new clonal rootstocks for sour cherry, Argo 1 and Argo 2, have been selected in Bulgaria to provide compatibility, reduced vigor and drought tolerance. A strategic solution for high-density orchards and cultivation in areas with limited water availability.

Cherry acidity: Chinese research reveals key genes behind malate control

Breeding

29 Oct 2025

A Chinese study on 97 cherry genotypes from 10 countries reveals key genes responsible for malate biosynthesis and transport, the main acid shaping fruit flavor. A breakthrough for breeding programs aiming to enhance cherry quality and consumer appeal.

Sweet cherry genome ‘Tieton’: genetic breakthrough from China’s Shandong region

Breeding

24 Oct 2025

A new telomere-to-telomere reference genome for the sweet cherry ‘Tieton’, developed in China’s Shandong region, marks a major advance in plant genomics and opens new paths for precision breeding, genetic analysis, and varietal innovation in fruit crops.

Identification of PavUGT48, an enzyme involved in sweet cherry coloration and quality

Breeding

21 Oct 2025

Chinese researchers have identified PavUGT48, a gene in sweet cherry that enhances fruit color and quality. The enzyme acts on anthocyanins and amygdalin, paving the way for genetic selection and nutraceutical optimization in commercial cherry varieties.

Sweet cherries in Pakistan: biodiversity, genotypes and harvest in Gilgit-Baltistan

Breeding

02 Oct 2025

Pakistan’s sweet cherry biodiversity is remarkable, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan. A morphological and genetic analysis highlights numerous cultivars, offering insights into local farming, staggered harvest seasons and future breeding programs under changing climate conditions.

Pitless cherries: Sun World and Pairwise join forces to revolutionize the fruit sector

Breeding

22 Sep 2025

Sun World and Pairwise announce a joint venture to develop the first pitless cherry. By combining advanced genetics with innovative breeding technology, the project aims to deliver premium fruit that is more sustainable, flavorful, and convenient for consumers worldwide.

New Picota cherries from Spain: less pit, more quality and stem-free harvest

Breeding

17 Sep 2025

In Spain’s Jerte Valley, new Picota cherry cultivars enhance fruit quality, reduce pit size, and support stem-free harvesting. A recent study identifies four promising genotypes with commercial size, shelf-life resistance, and post-harvest performance in MAP.

New methods in Poland to speed up sour cherry seed germination

Breeding

09 Sep 2025

A study in Skierniewice, Poland, tested innovative methods to enhance sour cherry seed germination. Seed coat removal combined with cold stratification produced stronger seedlings faster, cutting time and costs while boosting breeding efficiency and genetic progress.