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 Apr 2024
Cherry Growers Australia partnered with Agriculture Victoria in 2022-23 on an innovative project to develop on-farm traceability and build, diversify and protect exports by developing traceability from producer to consumer.
25 Jul 2025
A recent study tested the effectiveness of biopesticides and native microbial strains against brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa on cherry and plum. Promising results in pre-harvest phase, but limitations emerged during post-harvest at room temperature.
14 Nov 2025
The global cherry market is expanding rapidly: Turkey, Chile and Uzbekistan are leading the growth in both production and exports. Focus on agronomic performance, international trade, and key destination markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
14 Nov 2025
In Chile, a cutting-edge system of sensors, drones and AI is transforming cherry farming: real-time monitoring, maturity forecasting and optimized orchard management using predictive models tested in productive fields. A digital future for cherry growers.
