"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.
30 Dec 2024
The aim of the work presented in Cáceres (Spain) was to study the relationship between the expression of PavDAM genes throughout the entire winter dormancy period, that is, from the onset of dormancy until the beginning of bud break (from October to February).
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.
17 Nov 2025
Hort Innovation launches a new project to enhance biosecurity for Australia’s cherry and summerfruit industries. A dedicated officer will support growers, manage pest incursions, and promote best practices to strengthen international market access and on-farm resilience.
17 Nov 2025
Gräb Nursery visits top cherry growers in the UK to evaluate late Kir® varieties. Focus on fruit quality, storage and cracking resistance. In partnership with Frank P Matthews Trees, the aim is to develop stronger, tastier and climate-adapted cherry cultivars.
