The clones of the GiSelA® series are the most widely used rootstocks in cherry cultivation in temperate climates. GiSelA® were obtained from a genetic improvement programme carried out at the University of Giessen, Germany. The aim of this project was to obtain a series of rootstocks with gradual control of tree vigour: dwarfing, semi-dwarfing and medium vigour rootstocks.
Among the major advantages of using GiSelA® are excellent earliness of fruiting and high productivity, good graft compatibility with both sweet and sour cherry varieties, regular branching with a wide growth habitus, good winter frost resistance and virus tolerance.
Obviously, the cultivation management of cherry trees must be adapted to the needs of GiSelA® clones: as they are very fertile rootstocks, they require early and regular pruning in order to ensure sufficient vegetative renewal. In addition, they require high and constant water and nutrient inputs in order to ensure good fruit quality combined with high productivity.
Below is the report of Johannes Feldmann, Director of the Consortium Deutscher Baumschulen - CDB, presented at the workshop on cherry varietal innovation at Macfrut 2023.
24 Oct 2023
The rootstocks obtained by in vitro methods resulted in a higher percentage of plants. The percentage of grafted plants was higher when 'Pi-ku 1' or 'Gisela 5' rootstocks were used, even though the height of the plants was reduced.
08 Dec 2023
Carolina Torres presented the results of three years of field trials comparing different preservation methods for different cultivars (Bing, Sweetheart, Skeena, Rainier) when the aim is precisely to preserve cherries for 30 days + 4.
30 May 2025
In South Africa, sweet cherries are expanding thanks to low-chill varieties and innovative growing systems. Dutoit leads development with high-efficiency orchards, varietal research, and farming techniques tailored to the country's diverse microclimates.
30 May 2025
The opening of the Chinese market to Jerte cherries marks a new chapter for Spain's cherry sector, but brings complex export protocols. José Antonio Tierno stresses the need for caution, as past experiences with other fruits haven’t always delivered sustainable outcomes.
