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.
15 Dec 2025
Seaweed-based biostimulants help cherry trees produce more high-quality fruit, support growth and improve tolerance to environmental stress. The article outlines effective strategies to enhance cherry production during key stages of the growing cycle.
10 Oct 2023
Producers have several management strategies at their disposal to increase the final size of the fruit, including fruit load regulation, proper irrigation and fertilisation management, and the application of biostimulants and growth regulators.
14 Apr 2026
Exclusively for Cherry Times readers, a photo report on the first ‘Made in China’ cherries appearing in the Asian giant’s supermarkets in week 15 (the second week of April).
14 Apr 2026
Mendoza strengthens its position in the early cherry market through advanced production strategies, agronomic innovation and public-private collaboration. The international seminar highlights concrete opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and global competitiveness.
