Climate change is currently one of the most complex challenges facing agriculture, particularly cherry cultivation. Hot summers, unstable winters, and growing water scarcity are making it necessary to fundamentally rethink traditional farming practices.
In this context, it becomes essential to find solutions that combine environmental sustainability with productive efficiency, making production economically viable. One of the most promising strategies lies in the valorization of native genetic resources, with the goal of selecting new rootstocks that offer resistance, adaptability, and reduced vigor, suitable for modern high-density orchards.
Recent research conducted at the University of Novi Sad (Serbia) focused precisely on this goal: analyzing the morphological variability and productive quality of 27 genotypes potentially usable as rootstocks for sour and sweet cherries.
These genotypes were selected from the genetic pool of Prunus cerasus L. ecotype Oblačinska and Prunus fruticosa Pall., also known as the steppe cherry, both native to southeastern Europe and particularly well adapted to challenging pedoclimatic conditions.
The morphological characterization results revealed a wide variability among the genotypes, both in terms of vegetative vigor (with individuals ranging from extremely dwarfing to vigorous) and in their rooting ability and the formation of adventitious shoots following grafting.
Specifically, 26% of the candidates showed good rooting ability, 59% very good, and 15% excellent, confirming the high genetic potential of this selection. Additionally, more than half of the genotypes showed a low tendency to produce suckers—an important trait for simplifying orchard management and reducing agronomic interventions.
This initial phase of investigation has made it possible to identify several promising candidates that could serve as a foundation for genetic improvement programs aimed at a more resilient and sustainable fruit-growing sector.
The study included selections from different areas of Serbia—a region particularly rich in biodiversity for Prunus species. Field observations confirmed not only the morphological and productive potential of these genotypes but also their ability to adapt to less intensive cultivation conditions, such as farming without irrigation or with reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides.
However, to fully exploit these genetic resources, further studies are needed in different pedoclimatic environments. Only through extensive experimentation will it be possible to fully understand the interaction between rootstock and grafted variety, and thus identify the most effective combinations to meet the new demands of European fruit growing.
In this scenario, plant genetics and rootstock selection are reaffirmed as key tools for successfully tackling the environmental, productive, and economic challenges of the future.
Source: Voćarstvo, 58, 221–222 (2024), 91–101 Journal of Pomology, 58, 221–222 (2024), 91–101, https://doi.org/10.18485/pomology.2024.58.221_222.3
Image source: SL Fruit Service
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (ITA)
18 Nov 2025
Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a key plant hormone to enhance cherry size. When applied during the veraison stage, it improves yield and fruit quality. Learn more about optimal doses, agronomic benefits, and guidance for Chilean cultivars prone to stress and cracking.
22 Jul 2025
Harvista™ 1.3 SC is AgroFresh's new pre-harvest solution approved in Argentina for cherries. It extends the pollination window, improves fruit set, and enhances both yield and quality, meeting the demands of a rapidly growing and quality-driven global market.
12 Jun 2026
The Government of Aragón supports the Cereza de Calatayud y del Aranda PGI, covering around 1,500 hectares and about one hundred agricultural operators. Documents must be ready by 30 July, while the European recognition process could take up to two years for its approval.
12 Jun 2026
Viveros Ebro outlines its 2026 cherry strategy in Ribera d’Ebre, Spain, with Nipama, SPC-108, Royal Apache and SMS-416. High yields, large fruit size, low chill requirements, postharvest quality and full-cycle technical support shape the new season with climate resilience.
