"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.
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A research project across the Balkans investigates the genetic and reproductive traits of cherry cultivars to boost pollination, heat tolerance, and yield. The discovery of new S-alleles and genetic diversity offers solutions for climate-resilient, sustainable cherry production.
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Chile is preparing a mission to China, Vietnam and Indonesia to streamline fruit exports, reduce phytosanitary barriers and improve logistics. Fresh cherries, cold treatments, fruit fly rules and new market openings across key Asian destinations will now lead the agenda.
