News about Andrea Giovannini

S.L.E.C.I.: the innovative irrigation system that reduces water consumption while maintaining yield and quality in sweet cherry

Tech management

20 Feb 2026

A Bulgarian study compares the SLECI system with drip irrigation in sweet cherry orchards. Water use reduced up to 14 times with similar yields and higher irrigation water productivity. A sustainable solution for drought-prone areas with limited energy resources.

High-density cherry trees: Serbian research identifies the best rootstock–cultivar combinations

Planting systems

19 Feb 2026

A 13-year study in Čačak, Serbia, on a high-density sweet cherry orchard (1,250 trees/ha) comparing Mazzard and Colt rootstocks. Growth, yield, fruit quality and profitability were assessed on heavy, acidic soils without irrigation, highlighting long-term differences.

The evolution of the plastome and genetic diversity of sweet cherry in China

Breeding

18 Feb 2026

Study in China on 110 sweet cherry plastomes (Prunus avium) reveals three maternal lineages and a marked reduction in genetic diversity among modern cultivars. A clear plastid bottleneck emerges, with implications for breeding, traceability and climate resilience.

Calcium-based treatments and MAP packaging improve the quality and shelf life of cherries 

Post-harvest​

17 Feb 2026

A study on ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherries shows that combining 4% calcium chloride with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces weight loss, respiration and decay, preserving organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds during cold storage and extending overall shelf life.

New solutions from China to combat black rot caused by Alternaria in sweet cherries 

Post-harvest​

11 Feb 2026

A Chinese study shows the effectiveness of 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride against sweet cherry black rot, inhibiting Alternaria alternata and improving postharvest fruit quality. An innovative strategy for food safety and sustainable crop protection.

Low temperatures induce lignin biosynthesis in sweet cherries during postharvest

Post-harvest​

10 Feb 2026

Low temperature storage extends the shelf life of sweet cherries but may induce pulp lignification. A study on the Meizao cultivar examines structural, biochemical and molecular changes affecting fruit firmness, texture, quality and consumer acceptance during post-harvest storage

Ginkgo biloba extract: a natural and innovative compound for controlling cherry rot

Post-harvest​

04 Feb 2026

A recent study in China highlights the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract in protecting sweet cherries from Penicillium expansum. The treatment reduces decay, enhances the fruit’s defense system and preserves its commercial quality after harvest.

Dwarfing rootstocks and water stress in cherry trees: physiological responses and post-harvest irrigation management

Rootstocks

03 Feb 2026

Which rootstocks to choose for cherry trees in dry climates? A study in Hungary compares MaxMa 14, GiSelA 6, and WeiGi 2, showing key differences in water stress response. Learn which rootstock ensures sustainable cherry growing under water-limited conditions.

Graft compatibility in sweet cherry: machine learning approaches to rootstock selection

Rootstocks

30 Jan 2026

A new study from Turkey explores sweet cherry grafting compatibility using advanced tools like PCA, Random Forest and SHAP. Gisela 6 and local genotypes show promising integration for improved selection methods in cherry cultivation and rootstock choice.

The AKR gene family in sweet cherry: molecular bases of tolerance to abiotic stresses

Breeding

29 Jan 2026

A genomic study identifies 38 AKR genes in sweet cherry, key to drought, salinity, and hormonal stress responses. The findings offer new opportunities for breeding resilient cultivars, vital for climate adaptation and increased crop stability and yield.