LFP Gmbh in Bassenheim (D) is the owner of the varieties developed by Hilmar Gräb's breeding programme in Kettig (D). The main objectives of the programme are to select cherry varieties with a late ripening period, good size, texture and quality, fruit tolerance to cracking and good shelf life.
In 2019, the first three new varieties were licensed, all of them late (Regina age) or extra late (Staccato® age and beyond): KIR Vulcano® KSG 16 A*, KIR Lamour® KSG 24 A* and KIR Rosso® KSG 03 A*.
Their patent protection and international commercial dissemination is taken care of by LFP Lizenzen für Früchte und Pflanzen GmbH.
Along with these varieties, the genetic improvement project has new cherry genotypes, late or extra-late, some of them of the two-colour type, Rainier type, at an advanced stage of selection and dissemination. Below, in order of ripeness, are the main characteristics of the three varieties. The observations refer to the original growing environment (Source: Gräb Gbr).
18 Jul 2025
A study in Belgium’s cherry orchards assessed wild pollinator diversity using pan-traps and netting methods. Each technique captured different insect groups, showing that combining both provides complete data for monitoring biodiversity and planning effective conservation actions
27 Feb 2025
With increasing demands for longer shelf life, parameters such as firmness, colour and dehydration of the stalk are crucial for product acceptance in international markets.
05 Feb 2026
A research study from the University of Chile investigates how controlled atmosphere storage improves the shelf life of ‘Bing’ and ‘Lapins’ sweet cherries. Results show significant postharvest quality improvements under cold storage and market simulation conditions.
05 Feb 2026
With precision farming, it's now possible to prevent fruit cracking by optimizing irrigation, monitoring and data collection. Sensors, drones and AI support European growers in improving yield and fruit quality in cherries, grapes, citrus and pomegranates.
