"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 Dec 2024
We inform our readers that the proceedings of the 9th ISHS International Cherry Symposium, held in China in 2023, have been published. To view the abstracts of the presentations or purchase the volume in print or as an ebook, you can visit the ISHS website.
30 May 2025
In South Africa, sweet cherries are expanding thanks to low-chill varieties and innovative growing systems. Dutoit leads development with high-efficiency orchards, varietal research, and farming techniques tailored to the country's diverse microclimates.
09 Jan 2026
Smart irrigation improves cherry fruit size and profitability. With SWAN Systems, growers in Australia, North America and the Mediterranean can optimize water use, reduce waste and cracking, and boost yield through integrated data, expert guidance and better decisions.
09 Jan 2026
Rising volumes and logistical pressure make postharvest management the key driver of Chilean cherry profitability. Anticipation, DPV control, humidification, hydrocooling and contingency planning define a new operational standard to protect fruit quality, size and value.
