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 Oct 2024
“To reduce as much as possible the damage sustained by the cherry during packaging and final transport we developed an electronic cherry with sensors that go through the processes alongside the rest and report the movements and impacts the fruit receives” said Andrés Moltoni.
02 Sep 2025
A two-year study in Iași, Romania, evaluated the phenological, physiological, and productive responses of three cherry cultivars to climate stress. Results provide key insights for varietal selection and orchard management under water scarcity and global climate change.
01 Jun 2026
Lizard skin in cherries affects fruit appearance during cold storage and export transit. The Chilean study compares varieties, ripening stages and postharvest behavior, identifying the cultivars most exposed to damage, the most tolerant ones and key risks for local exports.
01 Jun 2026
Agrintesa and Gruppo Alegra strengthen the cherry supply chain between Vignola PGI and Romagna: over 400 hectares, protected orchards, technical innovation and post-harvest management to enhance premium quality, continuity and the work of Italian grower members across Italy.
