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.
20 Nov 2025
INIA research in Chile examines how mineral composition affects fruit quality in three major cherry cultivars: Santina, Lapins, and Regina. The study highlights genotype‑specific nutrient interactions and offers guidance for more precise, data‑driven fertilization strategies.
23 May 2023
"These are five new-generation varieties,' explains Andrea Bagnolini, Salvi Vivai's Sales Director, 'which we strongly wanted to increase our offer and propose to our growers selections that are more and more performing with respect to their needs.
10 Jun 2026
Orchard View is preparing its 2026 cherry season in Oregon with strong volumes, premium quality and an early crop. The Pacific Northwest program targets July 4 to support retail sales, US promotions and exports to Asia in an increasingly competitive global market.
10 Jun 2026
In Washington State, extreme heat, rainfall and temperature swings are affecting cherry firmness, stem condition and postharvest disorders. Data from 2021-2023 highlight different responses in Rainier, Bing, Skeena and Sweetheart cherries, with impacts on storage and markets.
