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.
26 Sep 2024
The trial block, located about 50 kilometers from San Salvador de Jujuy, is in a region bordering Bolivia and at the same altitude as the Antofagasta region in Chile, and would provide a microclimate for the production of ultra-early stone fruits in an extreme production zone.
28 Oct 2025
A new micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 rootstock was developed in Aurangabad, India. The study achieved excellent results in asepsis, rooting and shoot proliferation, paving the way for healthy cherry stock production and modern nursery propagation techniques.
24 Mar 2026
Study on organic sour cherry cultivation in Poland comparing conventional systems, with yield reductions up to 60%, effects of diseases and climate, and identification of the most suitable cultivars for sustainable and efficient production systems.
24 Mar 2026
Cherry farming in Mendoza offers strong opportunities thanks to favorable climate conditions and advanced management. Nutrition, soil health, and agronomic practices are key to achieving high-quality fruit for competitive international export markets.
