News about United-States

California cherry season starts later with lighter crop but strong quality

Production

16 Apr 2025

California's 2025 cherry season is starting a week late with lower early yields. Fruit size looks strong, but fair pricing is needed to support growers and ensure continuity across California’s fruit supply chain, especially in a competitive and unpredictable global market.

The FE cherry: a tart treasure grown to survive -45°C winters

Breeding

11 Apr 2025

From snowy Montana comes the new “FE” cherry, cold-hardy to -45°C and ideal for pies, wine, preserves, and fresh eating. Backed by 60 years of family-driven selection, it’s now available from HoneyberryUSA, a leader in American cold-hardy fruit farming.

USA: Court reinstates Staccato cherry patent, victory for AAFC

Varieties

26 Mar 2025

The US Court reinstated the Staccato cherry patent, overturning the previous decision. AAFC will now be able to defend its rights against the unauthorised sale of the 'Glory' variety. A key victory for intellectual property protection in the global fruit industry.

Protective nets can limit bird damage on sweet cherries in Michigan

Covers

10 Mar 2025

The results of a recent study showed a significant reduction in bird damage in covered rows compared to uncovered ones. Furthermore, measurements of fruit quality showed no significant differences.

Cherry fruit quality: from sugar content to genetics

Quality

05 Mar 2025

The study conducted by Spanish and US researchers explored the genetic factors behind key factors influencing the taste of sweet cherries, including sugar and acid content.

Real-time detection of LCD cherry disease: progress and research results

Crop protection

12 Feb 2025

Visual scouting cannot detect early infections and while highly accurate, it is costly. Washington State University (WSU), in collaboration with Ruff Country K9 LLC, is exploring a groundbreaking solution: using trained detection dogs to identify LCD-infected trees.

Diversity and characteristics of Pseudomonas syringae in bacterial canker of sweet cherry in California

Crop protection

12 Feb 2025

A recent study analyzed the diversity of Pseudomonas syringae sensu lato, a complex of bacteria known for their pathogenicity in plants, present in California, by sequencing the genome of 86 isolates obtained from both symptomatic and asymptomatic fruit.

Steep Leader: a plant system to meet climate and market challenges

Planting systems

10 Feb 2025

Omeg found that management involves fewer passes, no tying and no limb selection during the growing season. He also noted that it is more tolerant to heat and rain after comparing blocks placed side by side in different climates.

Northwest (US) cherries: harvest rebounds after a difficult year

Markets

06 Feb 2025

“Shipments in California (2024) peaked on May 17, compared to June 12 in 2023. That’s a good thing,” said B.J. Thurlby, president of the Northwest Cherry Growers, in his assessment of the 2024 season.

Bumblebees and pollination, wildflower strips help preserve habitat

Tech management

03 Feb 2025

Bumblebees play a key role in the pollination service, particularly during rainy or particularly cold periods. For this function they were one of the focuses of the 2025 edition of ‘Stone Fruit Day’, organised by Washington State University, on 22 January.