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 Dec 2024
A recent study analyzed four sour cherry cultivars, two dark-fleshed varieties, "Heimann R" and "Gorsemska," and two light-fleshed ones, "Montmorency" and "V70142", to determine differences in metabolite composition and antioxidant activity.
03 Dec 2025
Wild cherry (Prunus avium) micropropagation improves through three synthetic CKX inhibitors. The study shows increased biomass and in vitro proliferation, opening new perspectives for elite genotype cloning in reforestation and genetic conservation programs.
20 May 2026
A Chinese study shows how epicarp colorimetry can accurately indicate sweet cherry ripening by linking skin color, anthocyanins, soluble solids and fruit quality, supporting targeted harvesting and artificial vision technologies.
20 May 2026
Technological progress promises innovation, but research on seedless cherries raises an urgent question: why do we invest in market comforts while millions face hunger? A critical analysis of science, priorities, incentives and global responsibility.
