Method of immediate separation of cherry trees

2002/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Nekazaritza

There are numerous varieties of cherry trees, but farmers cannot know which variety has changed until the tree grows and bears its first fruits. By then, three or four years have passed since the cherry plantation.

Now, the researcher of the Unidad de Fruticultura de Zaragoza, Ignacio Hormaza, has developed a genetic method of cherry separation. It is based on the DNA zone of the cherry varieties, mainly on the differences in the area of DNA called microsatellite, where the greatest differences are found.

In addition to foreseeing cherries of good flavor, farmers will know more easily the varieties that resist diseases and extreme weather conditions. It will also serve to know the origin of ancient varieties.