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.
18 Mar 2025
The technical seminar held in Chile brought together experts and growers to discuss post-harvest management strategies for cherry trees and to learn about innovations in high-tech fertilisers for crop optimisation.
24 Sep 2024
‘The fruits are in formation and are taking on a reddish colour in some early varieties,’ said Aníbal Caminiti, ‘We have had a significant accumulation of cold hours. The Patagonia area exceeds the cold accumulation of the last six years by 15%'.
24 Jul 2026
In China, consumers judge Chilean cherries beyond origin and size: sweetness, firmness, freshness and consistent quality now shape purchasing decisions. Reviews on RedNote reveal a more informed market, focused on the real value delivered by every box with each purchase.
23 Jul 2026
Chile is preparing a mission to China, Vietnam and Indonesia to streamline fruit exports, reduce phytosanitary barriers and improve logistics. Fresh cherries, cold treatments, fruit fly rules and new market openings across key Asian destinations will now lead the agenda.
