NEW SWEET CHERRY CULTIVARS FROM PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD RESEARCH CENTRE (SUMMERLAND)

The sweet cherry breeding program has been ongoing at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC) Summerland, B.C. since 1936. The current objectives of the program are 1) diversification; 2) environmental adaptation; and 3) reduction of production cost. A number of cultivars have been introduced recently, including: ‘Santina’, ‘Sumpaca Celeste’, and ‘Sumnue Cristalina’ (all of which ripen early to mid-early season); ‘Sumste Samba’, ‘Sandra Rose’, and ‘Sumleta Sonata’ (mid-season ripening); and ‘Skeena’ and ‘Staccato’ (late season ripening). These span the cherry ripening season from 8 days before ‘Van’ to about 26 days after ‘Van’. All are red to dark red when ripe. Fruit size is good to very good, with all cultivars having average fruit weights greater than 10 g (except ‘Santina’). Most have good fruit firmness. Total soluble solids levels range from ~16% to >19%. Natural cracking levels for some of the selections are lower than for the current industry standards ‘Van’ and ‘Bing’ and represent a definite improvement.