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.
04 Nov 2024
The Somercotes farm was founded in 1823 and currently produces around 20 varieties of cherries on 50 hectares, With the Tasmanian cherry harvest season now imminent, the Somercotes team is very excited about this year's prospects.
03 Jan 2025
At the 11th National Congress of Plant Breeding held in Cáceres in 2024, the impact of global warming on the cherry tree was discussed. In particular, on the needs of different cultivars and their possible adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
13 Jul 2026
Chile’s cherry industry is facing a severe crisis driven by oversupply, falling prices and quality problems. Jordi Casas outlines a path forward: reduce planted area, diversify export markets, invest in genetics and improve orchard management to restore profitability.
13 Jul 2026
Trials in Tasmania show that Eristalis tenax hoverflies, used alongside honeybees, can improve fruit set and sweet cherry yields. Active in cool and wet weather, these alternative pollinators could support more reliable orchards and reduce risks linked to varroa mite.
