"The super millionaire fruits of the Alma Mater": this is how Corriere della Sera headlined years ago when announcing the results obtained by researchers from the Department of Agri-food Sciences and Technologies of the University of Bologna on the cherry tree genetic improvement project: the seven Sweet® sisters, the new varieties named after the children or loved ones of their inventors.
A team led by Stefano Lugli who, starting from old indigenous varieties, the famous Duroni di Vignola, bearers of valuable traits such as sweetness, texture and aroma, has been able to combine these virtues with others, such as beauty, size and productivity, taking them from varieties of American origin.
Below, the report by Bettina Riedel, variety manager of UNIBO, presented at the seminar on cherry variety innovation at Macfrut 2023. Precisely at Macfrut, ten years ago, the Sweet® varieties made their debut winning, among others, the Oscar prize for innovation.
13 Aug 2026
Effective sweet cherry postharvest management protects the canopy, reduces heat stress and restores tree reserves. Balanced irrigation, selective summer pruning and targeted nutrition prepare trees for dormancy while supporting bloom, fruit set and next season’s crop.
25 Jun 2025
Chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (AgChNPs) show high efficacy against Drosophila suzukii, a major fruit pest. This sustainable biotechnological solution reduces adult emergence, reproduction, and causes morphological damage, offering a valid alternative to insecticides.
06 Nov 2026
A study in three Israeli cherry orchards tests seismic sensors to detect Cerambyx dux larvae, track pest phenology and map infestations. Signals may reveal activity before visible symptoms and help target inspections, but further validation is needed.
06 Nov 2026
In Tasmania, trials by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture show GA₃ increases Lapins cherry firmness by about 20%. Application rate and timing affect fruit size and maturity as researchers examine how to balance quality, harvest timing and late-season markets locally.
