"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.
12 Dec 2025
A Ukrainian study shows that a pre-harvest treatment with chitosan and salicylic acid extends sour cherry shelf life up to 30 days, reducing weight loss, defects, and microbial contamination. It enhances fruit storage, quality and marketability post-harvest.
18 Dec 2025
At FNCE 2025, the U.S. tart cherry industry reintroduced the fruit as a functional, versatile ingredient. With a focus on muscle recovery and daily wellness, U.S. dietitians rediscover the value of tart cherries in all their available and accessible forms today.
14 Apr 2026
Exclusively for Cherry Times readers, a photo report on the first ‘Made in China’ cherries appearing in the Asian giant’s supermarkets in week 15 (the second week of April).
14 Apr 2026
Mendoza strengthens its position in the early cherry market through advanced production strategies, agronomic innovation and public-private collaboration. The international seminar highlights concrete opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and global competitiveness.
