Stone Fruit Breeding in Lithuania

Abstract

European plum ( Prunus domestica), sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus), sweet cherry ( Prunus avium), apricot (Prunus armeniaca) — in that order — are widely grown in Lithuania, but varieties are restricted due to cyclical cold winters (-35°C) every 11-12 years. Varieties introduced from more southern regions are injured by cold, but they have high quality fruit. Local selections or varieties from colder regions are hardy, but have medium quality fruit. In 1952 a breeding program was begun at the Vyténai Experimental Station (reorganized 1987 as Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture) to develop reasonably hardy, disease resistant, high yielding, high quality varieties. The following varieties of European plum, sour cherry, and sweet cherry have been released.