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.
01 Nov 2024
The outlook is favourable for Turkish cherry exporters, which in 2024 experienced one of the best seasons in recent years, thanks to an already improved performance the previous year. In 2023, exports amounted to USD 83 million.
09 Dec 2024
Claire Scofield studies the effects of environmental conditions under rain covers on calcium uptake in cherries. The aim is to further our understanding of xylem dynamics and the impact of rain covers on these processes.
23 Feb 2026
In Patagonia, Frutos del Valle Patagónico produces up to 1 million kg of cherries per year, with 800,000 kg exported to China, the US and the Middle East. Quality, technology and expansion plans drive steady growth in a highly competitive global market dominated by Chile.
23 Feb 2026
South Africa’s cherry industry has quadrupled acreage from 2012 to 2024 and aims to double production within five years. Exports reach 37%, with a focus on 28 mm+ calibers and new markets such as China, amid growing climate and logistics challenges in global trade.
