Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) IRENA

Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Irena' (S)

Late Czech variety with high yield and cracking resistance.

'Irena' is a modern Czech cherry variety bred in Holovousy by crossing 'Kordia' and 'M. Reward'. It ripens shortly before 'Regina' and serves as an excellent pollinator for it. It is valued for its very high and early yield, attractive dark fruits, and low susceptibility to cracking.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High to very high yield.
• Low sensitivity to fruit cracking.
• Excellent pollinator for 'Regina'.
• Long stalks (good picking rate).
• Attractive dark red to black-red fruits.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Czech Republic (Holovousy)
• Breeder: Blazek
• Editor: Artevos® (Germany) - protected variety.
• Parentage: 'Kordia' × 'M. Reward' (HL 13 822)

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak to medium strong, strong central leader, weak lateral branches. Spreading to pendulous at mature stage. Requires pruning of pendulous bearing wood.
• Crop load: High to very high, fruits hanging densely without clusters.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium to large (27-30 mm, 11-13 g).
• Shape: Heart-shaped with slight shoulders, very long stalk.
• Color: Dark to black-red, very shiny.
• Flesh: Dark, medium firm, juicy.
• Taste: Mild with balanced acidity at full maturity (emphasized acidity before maturity).

Resistance and Requirements

• Cracking sensitivity: Very low to low (cracks only around the stalk cavity at full maturity after heavy rainfall).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Late.
• Pollination: Self-sterile (S4S6). Suitable pollinators: 'Carmen', 'Kordia', 'Regina', 'Areko', 'Henriette'.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late, 7th cherry week (Regina period).