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.
22 Jan 2025
A four-year project has started in 2021 to investigate the most innovative physical protection methods available. The activity is carried out thanks to a partnership between Consorzio della Ciliegia IGP di Vignola, Consorzio Fitosanitario di Modena and the University of Bologna.
14 Nov 2024
Sage essential oil is known to repel a variety of agricultural pests but the effect on D. suzukii remains uncertain. In this chinese study researchers implemented behavioural essays to investigate the repellent properties of sage oil on larvae and adults of D. suzukii.
26 Jan 2026
The 2025/26 cherry season in China is marked by high volumes, strong logistical pressure and a rapid fall in prices. Chinese buyers are becoming more selective, penalising early fruit and challenging traditional Chilean export models and established commercial strategies.
26 Jan 2026
Over 60 growers and technicians joined Salvi’s High-Density Cherry Orchard Open Day in Monteux, France. The Sweet Series by the University of Bologna was featured, with a focus on pruning, yield, fruit quality, and strategies for modern, profitable, sustainable and innovative orc
