ASSESSMENT OF SWEET CHERRY CULTIVARS AND SELECTIONS IN LATVIA

Twelve sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars and 6 selections were tested at the Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing; all but ‘Lapins’ are suitable for growing in Latvia. ‘Lapins’ should only be grown in the best sites for sweet cherries. Newly released cultivar ‘Paula’ from the Latvian sweet cherry program was entered for registration in 2007. Six hybrids were selected with good winter hardiness and improved fruit quality (fruit weight 6-9 g, firmness 4.5-7 N/mm, soluble solids content of 18.1-20.2°Brix). Four hybrids showed improved resistance to rain-induced fruit cracking, and extended the harvest season.