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.
14 Sep 2023
The invasive Drosophila suzukii is a devastating pest for small fruit, stone fruit and grape crops. An antagonist will now be released in Switzerland for the first time by Agroscope and CABI. Experimental releases are planned in the cantons of Jura and Ticino.
12 Nov 2024
It is often the result of mechanical or physiological damage that occurs during harvest, handling, storage, or transportation of the fruit. These marks usually do not penetrate the pulp but impair its presentation, and in severe cases, can lead to premature fruit deterioration.
09 May 2025
Cherry Growers Australia appoints Penny Measham as new CEO from May 12, 2025. With an international background, she will confidently lead the cherry sector towards new goals, boosting global presence and strongly supporting local Australian growers.
09 May 2025
Spanish cherries are conquering China as a symbol of luxury and prosperity. Thanks to e-commerce, emotional marketing, premium quality, rising demand, social media, and packaging, Spain has a unique chance to stand out in China’s highly competitive fresh premium cherry market.
