Hungarian cherry breeding project celebrates 70 years of success

12 May 2023
1383

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.


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Hybrid model for cherry blossom forecasting: results from Japan, Korea and Switzerland

Tech management

12 Aug 2025

An innovative hybrid phenological model combines biological knowledge and machine learning to predict cherry blossom. Tested in Japan, South Korea and Switzerland, it delivers higher accuracy and adaptability than traditional models, even with limited data.

France: cherry production expected to increase by 12% in 2024

Production

23 May 2024

As of 1 May, cherry production for the 2024 marketing year was estimated at 37,700 tonnes, an increase of 12% year-on-year and 23% year-on-year. The survey covers 3 regions, representing 81% of the national production in 2023.

In evidenza

Surface pitting in cherries: Czech Republic study on quality and storage strategies

Post-harvest​

09 Sep 2025

A three-year study in the Czech Republic on 35 cherry genotypes shows how firmness, genotype and storage conditions affect surface pitting resistance. Results confirm the key role of ULO storage and preventive treatments to safeguard cherry quality and shelf life.

New methods in Poland to speed up sour cherry seed germination

Breeding

09 Sep 2025

A study in Skierniewice, Poland, tested innovative methods to enhance sour cherry seed germination. Seed coat removal combined with cold stratification produced stronger seedlings faster, cutting time and costs while boosting breeding efficiency and genetic progress.

Tag Popolari