Hungary's impressive cherry breeding programme recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Started in the early post-war period by the late S. Brózik, one of the most prolific researchers and breeders in the world, the programme was continued by J. Apostol and, more recently, by Z. Békefi.
From the very beginning, the project was turned over to the Fruit Research Institute, then passed into the hands of NARIC - National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre at the turn of the century and, from 2021, to the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science in Budapest. All in all, more than 30 cherry varieties have been released.
In chronological order: the first clones (1, 3 and 45) from the selection of the local variety Germersdorfer (1980s); the varieties Margit, Linda, Katalin and Kavics (1990s); Aida, Anita, Axel, Carmen, Paulus, Petrus, Sandor, Tunde and Vera; Elvira (Edit), Magdolna, Kira, Pillangó (Papillon) and the new late selection 16/77 (2020s).
Read the full presented at Macfrut 2023 by Zsuzsanna Békefi, the current Hungarian project leader.
19 Aug 2024
The first block illustrated the implications of viruses, the damage they can cause in a cherry tree and the importance of prevention as a form of management. The second was devoted to basic information on plant-parasitic nematodes and entomopathogens.
15 Nov 2024
The floral induction phase establishes the quantity of flowers while floral differentiation establishes the quality of flowers in terms of floral organ formation. The phases depend on orchard management in terms of water, nutrition and light.
05 Jun 2026
A Holovousy study in the Czech Republic examines 35 sweet cherry accessions and highlights the role of genetics, dry matter and ascorbic acid in resistance to surface pitting, a key issue for postharvest quality, shelf life and market value.
05 Jun 2026
In sweet cherry, productivity starts in the previous cycle: floral induction, bud differentiation, reserves, irrigation and canopy management influence flowering, fruit set and quality in the following season, making post-harvest care decisive for stable yields and premium fruit.
