News about Hungary

Molecular markers for the selection of larger-sized cherries

Breeding

08 Sep 2026

A study on cherry germplasm in Hungary analyzes SSR markers BPPCT034 and CPSCT038 linked to fruit size, highlighting new opportunities for marker-assisted selection and genetic improvement of sweet and sour cherry in modern breeding programs across Hungary today in EU.

Interannual variability of bioactive compounds in sour cherry: a case study from Hungary

Quality

03 Sep 2026

A Hungarian study on two sour cherry cultivars shows that the growing season affects bioactive compounds more than cultivar or farming method, influencing polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity and highlighting the importance of harvest timing.

Pigmentation variability in sour cherry: fruit color does not reflect genetic relatedness

Breeding

12 Aug 2026

A study of 27 Hungarian and international sour cherry cultivars examines genetics, anthocyanins and fruit pigmentation. Results show that fruit colour depends mainly on gene expression and regulators such as MYB10, rather than on overall genetic relatedness among cultivars.

Nutraceutical quality of sour cherries: ripening and genotype shape bioactive compounds

Quality

22 Jul 2026

A study of three Hungarian sour cherry cultivars examines how ripening, sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, anthocyanins, polyphenols and melatonin shape fruit quality, nutraceutical value and the best harvest time for fresh markets and industrial processing applications.

2026 European sour cherry harvest forecast

Production

25 Jun 2026

Hungary’s 2026 sour cherry crop is forecast to fall 20-30% to about 30,000 tonnes. Near-empty stocks and stronger harvests in Turkey, Serbia and Poland are reshaping prices, demand and the outlook for Europe’s processing market across the European fruit industry today.

New Hungarian Mahaleb rootstocks for sweet cherry: performance and yield data

Rootstocks

04 Jun 2025

Explore the agronomic impact of new Hungarian-bred Mahaleb rootstocks for sweet cherry. Trial results on tree vigour, fruit weight, and yield in irrigated and rain-fed conditions. Complete and reliable data from test orchards near Budapest and Győr, Hungary.

Viral infections in sour cherries: threats and certification efforts in Europe

Breeding

03 Jun 2025

Viral infections in sour cherries affect health and yield. Certification and preventive strategies are essential. Hungary stands out as a key study area for tracking the spread of viruses like CVA, PrVF, and PNRSV to improve phytosanitary measures across Europe.

Hungary’s 2025 cherry season devastated by severe frost and crop failures

Production

27 May 2025

Hungary’s 2025 cherry harvest faces its worst collapse in decades after April frosts damaged 90% of orchards. With crop losses exceeding 80% and a sector already struggling with outdated methods and labor shortages, the country risks a major setback in cherry production.

From field to shelf: how best to store sour cherries?

Post-harvest​

29 Nov 2024

The study carried out in collaboration between research institutions from Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic wanted to evaluate the shelf-life of sour cherries that were freshly picked and cold stored under standard and MAP atmospheric conditions.

Combating cracking by controlling the osmotic pressure of cherries

Tech management

21 Oct 2024

A hydroponic cherry grower in Hungary collaborated with Gremon Systems to find solutions to prevent fruit cracking. With the help of dendrometers, which measure stem diameter, the grower gained deeper insights into controlling osmotic pressure to reduce cherry cracking.