"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.
05 Aug 2024
The 2024 harvest was expected to be 20.9 million boxes, with a 12% increase compared to a year ago. The industry continues to pack greater quantities than expected and reached a peak in July 9th, with an overall volume that continues to appear above the five-year average.
09 Sep 2024
In Chile, the post-transplant survival, canopy growth and productivity of two cultivars were evaluated: Lapins on Colt and Regina on Gisela 12. The cultivars were grown with root volumes of 100%, 50% and 25% and with bare-root or bagged nursery plants.
09 Oct 2026
A German study compares mineral nitrogen in apple and sweet cherry orchard soils. Nitrate accounts for 83% in apple orchards, while ammonium reaches 58% in cherry orchards. The findings highlight crop-specific soil interactions and implications for nitrogen fertilization.
09 Oct 2026
Cherry juice is gaining popularity among footballers and cyclists for its potential muscle recovery benefits. Rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, research suggests it may help regulate inflammation and oxidative stress after intense exercise, supporting athletic recovery.
