Late cherry varieties with high resistance to cracking

To avoid concentrating production in a single month, breeders have for some years now been trying to select later varieties suitable for the lowlands. This aspect was discussed on Thursday 1 July 2021 during the Open Day organised by Vivai F.lli Zanzi from Ferrara, Italy. Under the guidance of technician Enrico Zanzi, the attendees were able to see with their own eyes some of the later varieties that are especially suitable for central and northern Italy.

Watch the video interview with Enrico Zanzi                                         

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"Thanks to the innovation of the varieties, it is possible to have an excellent crop in the plains, even in the late period. But what is important is that the smell, taste and size are also of good quality in July. It is necessary to cultivate according to modern criteria, for example with anti-rain nets, and anti-insect nets if the area is particularly sensitive to flies and fruit flies, and with planting in high density," said Enrico Zanzi.

Another fundamental aspect is resistance to cracking. "This is a characteristic that is foundational to obtaining income. Size is important, and our late varieties have a high resistance to cracking."

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The opening of the technical day

The Royal Helen (IPS) variety, that ripens during the Regina variety period, is characterized by an excellent flavor and an average size of over 33-34 mm. The fruit firmness is very high. The stem is very thick, of medium length, resistant to handling and long shelf-life. The cherry is spherical and resistant to cracking. It is a very productive variety with high quality cherries on dwarf rootstocks. 

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A late variety of the Cep Innovation is Fertard, that ripens after the Regina variety. It is characterized by a prolonged resistance on the tree and this is perhaps its most distinctive feature, together with the size and flavor of the cherry. The flesh is very firm, crisp and sweet.

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Giovanni Zanzi

Ferdiva is a very late variety and in 2021 it stood out because it was more resistant than others to spring frost. Its productivity, if well pollinated, is high. The cherry is large, heart-shaped with a dark red skin. The flesh is firm, crisp, juicy, with a balanced taste, and the cherry is not prone to cracking.

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A few selections of German origin also stand out for their firmness, resistance to cold and size.