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.
02 Sep 2025
The 2025 Spanish cherry season was marked by extreme weather, reduced volumes, and strong domestic demand. Despite initial quality issues, high prices and falling production in other countries helped Spain strengthen its role in Europe and look ahead to China.
17 Mar 2025
There is no ideal soil for growing cherry trees, but there are some that are more suitable. Nevertheless, this fruit tree has conquered territories in large parts of Chile. That is why it is increasingly necessary to improve them. There are many strategies.
22 Apr 2026
International Plant Selection launches the ZIC club to exclusively manage Zaiger Genetics cherry varieties in Europe. France, Spain and Murcia are involved, as climate change accelerates the need for new cherry cultivars that are more resilient, productive and adaptable.
22 Apr 2026
Chile strengthens its dominance in cherry exports to China, but the 2025–2026 season shows a price drop of over 30%. Spain’s entry into the Asian market introduces new competition, as demand remains strong but the product’s positioning continues to evolve.
