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.
30 Apr 2024
Giacomo Giotta, owner of the eponymous company in Conversano, is preparing to start harvesting the Bigarreau variety next weekend, about two weeks earlier than last year. Yields seem to be higher, with an increase of 20-25%.
11 Nov 2024
The project, promoted by the Ñuble Producers Association and funded by the Regional Government, has allowed researchers at INIA to study the quality of cherries and identify elements that enable the main export varieties to withstand travel to China.
28 Nov 2025
A recent study from central Chile reveals that the combined activity of honey bees and wild insects significantly improves sweet cherry fruit set, highlighting the value of biodiversity and ecologically oriented farming practices for more resilient orchards in the region.
28 Nov 2025
In-depth report on the real production costs, profitability thresholds and export dynamics of cherry orchards in Chile, with case data from Ñuble, Biobío, Araucanía, Maule and Los Lagos. Strategic insights to reduce costs, boost yield and ensure long-term farm viability.
