This study conducts a comprehensive phenotypic survey of European cherry collections to identify key evaluation descriptors. European cherry collections encompass diverse cultivars with varying morphological and agronomic characteristics, necessitating standardized descriptors for accurate evaluation and characterization. Through extensive field surveys and literature reviews, this research identifies the most commonly used descriptors for assessing cherry cultivars, including fruit size, color, shape, taste, texture, tree vigor, flowering habit, and disease resistance. The survey aims to provide a consensus on the essential traits for cherry evaluation, facilitating comparisons between different cultivars and enhancing breeding and selection efforts. The findings offer valuable insights into the phenotypic diversity and key characteristics of European cherry collections, contributing to the conservation, management, and improvement of cherry germplasm.
Sustainable production of high-quality cherries for the European market. COST action 1104.
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