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 Aug 2025
Cherry flavour conquers Ocado: sales up 150% and searches up 72%. The 'retro' trend is also driving fresh fruit, favoured by a hot summer that brought excellent harvests of cherries, apricots, strawberries and new varieties such as plums and greengages.
07 Jul 2025
The “Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos” designation celebrates the southernmost cherries in the world, renowned for their unique sweetness, crisp texture, and superior quality. A one-of-a-kind microclimate and over a decade of research elevate Patagonian fruit excellence.
06 Nov 2025
The 2025-26 Chilean cherry season kicks off with an air shipment to New York. Crunchy, sweet, high-quality fruit sets the tone. Forever Fresh targets the US market to reduce reliance on China and strengthen winter exports with premium, carefully selected varieties.
06 Nov 2025
Vignola's fruit consortia renew leadership after Andrea Bernardi's passing. Lenzarini and Cavani take over, aiming for continuity, innovation and unity while enhancing the territory and supporting IGP cherries and plums across the local agri-food system.
