"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.
24 Jan 2025
Cohn said that despite the challenges faced by tart cherry growers—from price fluctuations to rising production costs and the impact of climate change on the industry—there are several positive trends to highlight in the sector.
05 Dec 2023
The trials, Stoppel points out, were very promising, particularly for four clones (Weigi® 1, Weigi® 2, Weigi® 3 and Weigi® 4), which were registered, patented and commercially licensed. The license for in vitro propagation was awarded to Vitroplant of Cesena, Italy.
01 Apr 2025
Peru explores cherry production with the aim of entering the Chinese market before Chile. The first exports are expected as early as next season, but experts estimate up to 10 years for significant volumes.
01 Apr 2025
Altitude changes the quality of cherries, affecting organic acids and phenolic compounds. A study in Turkey on four cultivars grown at 200 and 800 m revealed changes in the nutritional profile, improving flavour and antioxidant properties of the fruit.
