Evaluation of sweet cherry cultivars and advanced selections adapted to a northern climate

The fjord district of western Norway at latitude 60 degrees N is the most northern area in the world where sweet cherry is produced commercially. The sweet cherry season extends from July 1 until August 15. As Norway have no breeding programme in sweet cherries, all cultivars have to be obtained from abroad. A national test programme of sweet cherry cultivars has been operating at Ullensvang Research Centre since 1959. New cultivars and advanced selections are grown in field trials for 6-8 years to assess their value under Norwegian growing conditions. The cultivars recommended for commercial production are selected to meet the requirements of large-sized fruits of attractive appearance, consistent high productivity, good flavour, resistance to rain-induced cracking, adequate firmness to resist bruising caused during harvest and handling operations, storage ability and maintenance of quality during marketing and preferably dark red colour. Presently some 160 sweet cherry cultivars and advanced selections are being evaluated. In conclusion, the following sweet cherry cultivars are recommended for commercial production; early season:'Ranna Ljaskovska', 'Moreau', 'Burlat', 'Merchant', 'Vista'; mid-season: 'Giorgia', 'Adriana' 'Chelan', 'Celeste', 'Samba', 'Kristin', 'Ulster', 'Van'; late season: 'Sunburst', 'Sylvia', :Hertford', 'Kordia', 'Lapins', 'Regina'.