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*)
22 May 2024
Uzbekistan, with its 35 million inhabitants and an area of 450,000 square kilometres (a third more than Italy), ranks fifth globally in producing more than 100,000 tonnes of cherries per year. The only sticking point concerns the varietal landscape.
24 Mar 2025
The O'Higgins region of Chile uses artificial intelligence to revolutionise cherry cultivation. Drones and sensors ensure accurate data for more efficient, high-quality and competitive production on the global market.
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.
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Field trials tested Armonigro on Brooks and Santina cherry trees and May Glo nectarines in Chile’s Aconcagua Valley. The treatments aimed to improve yield and fruit size under adverse climatic conditions, including low chill hours and irregular bud development.
