The first experiences with cherry breeding at the VSUO in Holouvosy in the Czech Republic date back to the late 1960s. The main variety selected from this programme is Kordia, which in recent years has become one of the world's leading varieties in the medium-late ripening period, mainly due to its high fruit quality standards.
The primary objectives of the WSUO programme are cherry quality (size, texture and colour), resistance to cracking and rot, shelf life and plant productivity. MAS technologies are used in the breeding programme for the early selection of genotypes on several traits: self-fertility, spring frost resistance, drought and climate change tolerance and low chilling requirements.
WSUO, besides Kordia, has commercially propagated 28 cherry varieties. The best known are Early Korvik, Christiana, Felicita, Irena, Justyna, Kasandra, Tamara, Techlovan, Tim and Vanda.
Below is the report of Lubor Zelený, cherry breeding project manager at WSUO in Holouvosy, presented at the workshop on cherry variety innovation at Macfrut 2023.
20 Mar 2025
Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards, causing small, unsaleable fruit. Learn how to recognise it, remove diseased trees and control vectors to protect the crop and keep production healthy and profitable. Practical strategies and up-to-date advice.
31 Jul 2025
During the Late Cherry Varieties Tour, ANA Chile® and LFP introduced in Germany new late cherry varieties — red and bicolour — featuring excellent quality, high resistance, and extended harvest time, opening new opportunities for export and the European market.
02 Jan 2026
Chile, the world’s top exporter of fresh cherries, is tackling the growing threat of Drosophila suzukii through an advanced strategy that includes the Sterile Insect Technique and a cross-border partnership with Argentina to safeguard fruit quality and global market access.
01 Jan 2026
Ultrasound and nanobubble treatments are transforming postharvest cherry management in Chile. Physiological indicators such as pitting, electrolyte leakage and respiration help assess treatment impact and preserve cherry quality for up to 45 days in cold storage.
