"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 Jan 2025
Nanocellulose compounds are being tested on several crops, including sweet cherries, grapes and apples. According to research at Washington State University, nanocellulose sprays improve the cold resistance of sweet cherries by 3.6 to 7.2 degrees.
25 Mar 2025
Leaf spot threatens Montmorency cherry trees in Michigan. With fungicide resistance on the rise and regulatory restrictions, growers are rediscovering the use of copper to protect plants. Learn about strategies and new research to combat this disease.
05 Dec 2025
South Africa’s cherry exports are growing fast: in 2024 over 800 hectares were in production. 60% go to the UK, followed by the EU and Middle East. China is the next frontier for 2026, with cold treatment protocols under evaluation to meet phytosanitary rules.
05 Dec 2025
Bloom Fresh cherries are transforming the global fruit market with new early and blush varieties. Grown in Chile, Spain, South Africa and France, premium selections like Cheery Glow and Cheery Treat meet rising demand from Asia, China and the United States.
