The genetic improvement programme on the cherry tree at the Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) has an almost century-long tradition. The first activities were started by M. Schmidt in Müncheberg in the 1930s. Later, M. Zwitzscher continued the project at the Max Planck Institut in Cologne by propagating the varieties Primavera and Sekunda, while E.L. Loewel in Jork selected and propagated a dozen varieties, including Regina.
More recently, in Dresden, M. Fischer started a new breeding programme aimed at self-fertility and resistance to bacterial cancer by Pseudomonas spp, leading to the release of the NA series varieties Namosa, Nadina, Namare and Namati.
Since 2001, the project has been in the hands of M. Schuster at the JKI in Pillnitz. The cherry varieties Narana (ripens with Burlat), Swing® PiSue 192* (+8 Burlat), Polka (+10 Burlat), Aria® PiSue 161 (+14 Burlat), Areko (+17 Burlat), PiSue 177 (+19 Burlat) and Habunt, a two-coloured cherry ripens 20 days after Burlat.
Below the report of Mirko Schuster presented at the workshop on cherry variety innovation at Macfrut 2023.
06 Feb 2025
A recent study from Romania evaluated the effectiveness of using Xtend modified atmosphere packaging in maintaining the quality of "Kordia" and "Regina" cherry varieties. The cherries were stored at -0.5°C for 42 days.
11 Feb 2025
The tree of Natalie® grows like Regina, only the fruit has a different appearance. It is an attraction in every orchard. The recommended pollinator varieties are 'Sylvia' or 'Kordia'. The fruits ripen late (mid to late July), are very large, with firm flesh and slightly aromatic.
21 Apr 2025
On 28 and 29 May, the first Redagrícola Cherry Conference, a technical reference event for the cherry sector, will be held in Monticello. Chilean and international experts will participate, focusing on innovation, climate and market.
21 Apr 2025
Discover BioMagnet Ruby, the sustainable and innovative solution to protect cherries in Italy from the pests Drosophila suzukii and Rhagoletis cerasi. Preventive action, no maintenance, guaranteed crop quality. Also ideal for other red fruits.
