RESOURCES FOR IMPROVING THE ASSORTMENT OF SWEET CHERRY VARIETIES IN BELARUS
The sweet cherry genetic collection of RUE "Institute of Fruit Growing" is including 273 accessions, which have been studied for the main economic and biological traits. The main features for selection are large-fruited combined with winter hardiness and resistance to cherry leaf spot. After an evaluation of the collection, three large-fruited accessions with tough pulp of the fruit were selected. The Ukrainian early fruit ripening variety ‘Annushka’ was selected among the introduced cherry varieties. This variety has large fruits of excellent taste and is characterized by high winter hardiness. Two Belarusian promising selections ‘84-10/98’ (‘Narodnaya’ o.p.) and ‘94-30/41’ (‘Vityaz’ × ‘Aelita’) were selected on these grounds. Selection ‘84-10/98’ has a medium and ‘94-30/41’ has late fruit ripening terms.