In France, International Plant Selection has been selecting new cherry varieties suitable for all production areas in Europe for over 60 years, with selection criteria such as size, texture, organoleptic qualities and self-fertility.
The selections by Zaiger Genetics (California, USA) were introduced in the early 2000s and cover all ripening periods (early, medium and late). The cherry range developed under the name "Royal" is characterized by self-fertility, texture, size and, for some of them, a low requirement of cold hours (low chilling).
"After a deep evaluation phase in all the production areas of Europe, International Plant Selection offers exceptional varieties in terms of size and productivity," states a note from IPS.
Royal Helen.
From 15 to 19 June field visits took place in Italy (Ferrara and Savarna), in collaboration with Vivai Zanzi and Geoplant Vivai, in order to show the cherry varieties of the "Royal" type to Italian fruit growers. Two of the cultivars presented were Royal Edie (cov) and Royal Helen (cov).
Royal Edie (cov) is a self-fertile variety of large caliber (30-32mm), strong texture and excellent taste qualities, with high production potential. A sweet and aromatic fruit, with good tolerance to cracking.
In 2004, two varieties were introduced at IPS in France and are considered very interesting by Zaiger Genetics. At that time, the Californian company developed Royal Edie (cov) and Royal Helen (cov) in the United States creating fields organized in alternate rows, due to the excellent pollination between these two varieties. At the same time, in France the IPS experimentation highlighted the very interesting characteristics of these varieties and the planting of the alternate rows varieties was being implemented, as indicated by the Zaiger company.
In 2016, IPS carried out tests on the alleles of the varieties of the "Royal" type: it turned out that Royal Edie (cov) and Royal Helen (cov) are both self-fertile.
"Today we offer two varieties with the same ripening time, which have shown remarkable results in the advanced experimentation orchards in Italy. The definitive choice is now up to the producer," say the IPS managers.
Contacts:
IPS
Tel.: +33.631.199.795
Email: edwige@ips-plant.com
Facebook: IPSplant
Web: www.ips-plant.com