ISHS Acta Horticulturae 410: II International Cherry Symposium
THE STUDY AND SELECTION OF SWEET CHERRY CULTIVARS UNDER FRENCH CONDITIONS |
| Author: | R. Saunier |
| Abstract:
In France, the cherry is cultivated in a wide range of locations from the northeast to the Roussillon in the southeast. This crop grows equally well in Nordic, continental and Mediterranean regions. It is one of the most hardy fruit trees, with few climatic and agronomic requirements. In the past trees were often planted as single specimens, in roadside hedges or in small plots. Nowadays they are usually grown in intensive orchard systems as with other fruit crops. French production of commercial cherries of the 'Bigarreau' type amounts to 95–110 thousand tonnes per annum (Table 1). To this must be added home production, which is far from being negligible. France is the third largest producer in the EEC after Germany and Italy (Table 1). Within France, cherry production ranks fifth with apricot in terms of total tonnage compared to other tree fruits. Exports range from 15–20 thousand tonnes per annum, with annual imports of fresh fruit remaining low at 1400 to 1500 tonnes, and fruit for industrial use at 1800 tonnes. Cherries are used in many different ways: 70,000 to 75,000 tonnes are consumed fresh; 12,000 to 14,000 tonnes are made into crystallized fruit; 6000 to 7000 tonnes for fruit syrup; 4000 tonnes for jam and jelly manufacture; and finally a small amount is processed into liqueur and alcohol. In France over the last ten years, the area occupied by cherry orchard production has on average decreased by 15% (Table 1). In 1992 this area was 15,400 ha (Fig. 1). Recent plantings have incorporated seasonal or late varieties. Presently, 20% of orchards are young trees not yet in production. The major cultivars are 'Burlat' at 37% and 'Napoléon' at 20% of total production. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
