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.
25 Sep 2024
A study conducted between Chilean and Brazilian universities evaluated the impact of salicylic acid application on fruit quality, yield and post-harvest storage of cherry trees subjected to deficit irrigation.
02 Aug 2024
The study by a California team investigated potential infection points in five cerasites located in three different areas of California to assess the incidence of these pathogens in symptomatic shoots, fruiting darts and wood under pruning wounds.
13 Aug 2026
The study compares MAP and controlled atmosphere storage for Rainier, Bing, Skeena and Sweetheart sweet cherries, assessing firmness, stem quality, weight loss and postharvest disorders to identify effective strategies for maintaining fruit quality for long-term storage.
13 Aug 2026
Effective sweet cherry postharvest management protects the canopy, reduces heat stress and restores tree reserves. Balanced irrigation, selective summer pruning and targeted nutrition prepare trees for dormancy while supporting bloom, fruit set and next season’s crop.
