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.
31 May 2024
Traditionally, the cherry season in Uzbekistan ended in mid-June, but in 2024 it will start as soon as the last week of May. This could create problems for exports because even in Ukraine, local cherries are already being actively harvested and sold.
14 Aug 2024
The main obstacle is genetic because of the varieties used, which have a refrigeration requirement of 400 hours or more. Some companies have preferred to explore the coast, others the highlands. All indications are that the process of adaptability is not yet complete.
20 Jan 2026
Chilean Santina cherries have officially been classified as a low glycemic index (GI=39) food. This result opens new doors for nutrition-focused marketing and reinforces cherries' status as a healthy, smart fruit choice for consumers aiming for a balanced and low-GI diet.
20 Jan 2026
China now absorbs 93% of Chile’s cherry exports, making them the country’s second most exported product after copper. Thanks to direct sea routes, improved logistics, and lower prices, Chile is boosting its position as a global leader in agri-food trade with China.
