International Fruit Genetics (IFG) is a breeding company based in Bakersfield (CA USA) in the San Joaquin Valley, active in the development of new seedless table grape and cherry varieties.
The objectives of the genetic improvement programme, led by David Cain and Chris Owens on the cherry tree, are to develop dark or yellow-red cherries with low to medium chilling requirements, early ripening, high heat tolerance, firm flesh, large fruit size, consistent productivity and exceptional fruit quality, both fresh and after cold storage.
Cheery Burst® (IFG Cher-two*)
Since the founding of IFG in 2001, more than 50,000 cherry seedlings have been obtained and evaluated, leading to the selection of more than 300 new genotypes that have passed to the final testing stage.
In 2019, seven new cherry cultivars were licensed and patented: Cheery Grand® (IFG Cher-one*), Cheery Burst® (IFG Cher-two*), Cheery Crunch® (IFG Cher-three*), Cheery Blush® (IFG Cher-four*), Cheery Treat® (IFG Cher-five*), Cheery Glow® (IFG Cher-six*), and Cheery Moon® (IFG Cher-seven*). In 2022, IFG's Cheery Cherry® line is expanded with three new introductions: Cheery Nebula® (IFG Cher-eight*), Cheery Chap® (IFG Cher-nine*) and Cheery Cupid® (IFG Cher-ten*).
| Brand | Variety | ER1 | Cold requirements | Flowering | Fruit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF/AI | Allele | Ø mm | Colour | ||||
| Cheery Blush® | IFG Cher-Four | +4 | < 300 | AI | S1S6 | 26-27 | bicolor |
| Cheery Burst® | IFG Cher-Two | 0 | 300-500 | AI | S9S? | 28-30 | |
| Cheery Crunch® | IFG Cher-Three | -4 | < 300 | AI | S3S6 | 24-26 | |
| Cheery Glow® | IFG Cher-Six | +8 | 300-500 | AI | S1S6 | 28-29 | bicolor |
| Cheery Grand® | IFG Cher-One | +1 | 500-700 | AI | S6S9 | 29-30 | |
| Cheery Moon® | IFG Cher-Seven | +9 | > 700 | AI | S4S9 | > 30 | |
| Cheery Treat® | IFG Cher-Five | +1 | 300-500 | AI | S9S? | 28-30 | |
| Cheery Nebula® | IFG Cher-Eight | 0 | < 300 | AI | S1S6 | > 29 | |
| Cheery Chap® | IFG Cher-Nine | -4 | < 300 | AI | S3S4 | 25-27 | |
| Cheery Cupid® | IFG Cher-Ten | -2 | 300-500 | AI | S1S3 | 28-29 | |
| 1. Harvest start period: days +/- compared to Burlat | |||||||
| Source: Owens, 2019 | |||||||
Cheery Glow® (IFG Cher-six*)
17 Oct 2024
Experiments were conducted on sweet cherry flower buds using differential thermal analysis (DTA), a technique that monitors the release of heat due to ice melting. Researchers observed the formation of ice within the bud structure, identifying barriers that prevent its spread.
21 Oct 2025
South Africa signs a new stonefruit export protocol with China and sets its sights on blueberries and cherries. The agriculture minister invites Chinese plant health officials to inspect orchards and packhouses, aiming to launch exports starting from the upcoming commercial seaso
09 Dec 2025
Copefrut introduces RedBeats, a Chilean cherry brand tailored for Gen Z: music-driven identity, flexible packaging and smart formats for every moment. The goal is to turn cherries into a daily snack, moving beyond the traditional gifting-centered consumption model.
09 Dec 2025
A scientific study in Sichuan (China) analyzed two cherry varieties with contrasting colors to understand the genetic regulation of anthocyanin production. The PavMYB.C2 gene and cyanidin-3-glucoside play a central role in developing darker hues. Applications for agriculture and
