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.
Tech management Post-harvest Press review Varieties
25 Sep 2023
Is a solution possible? The expert is optimistic and has already taken an important step by defining that one of the important variables affecting post-harvest sensitivity is maturity and therefore its monitoring. But this is not the only challenge.
04 Apr 2024
An increase in the concentration of soluble proteins correlates with an increased ability of plant cells to retain water, resulting in improved cell membrane protection and greater resistance to cracking. A study in China compared two different cv.: 'Rainier', and 'Wanhongzhu'.
03 Jun 2025
Viral infections in sour cherries affect health and yield. Certification and preventive strategies are essential. Hungary stands out as a key study area for tracking the spread of viruses like CVA, PrVF, and PNRSV to improve phytosanitary measures across Europe.
03 Jun 2025
With zero import tariffs, ideal seasonal windows, and a growing middle class of 300 million consumers, India represents a major opportunity for Chilean cherries. As logistics improve and awareness increases, it could become Chile’s next key market for premium fruit exports.
