Sour Cherry Research and Production in Serbia and Montenegro

Abstract

In Serbia and Montenegro fruit production, sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) ranks third with 8.8 million trees of productive age. The average annual production is 86,932 t (9.8 kg/tree), according to statistical data for 2003. About 50% of production is frozen and exported, with the rest for fresh consumption (although a minor amount is used in industry). Sour cherry represents, together with raspberry (Rubus spp.), the most important fruit species for export'. Production is largely extensive, comprised predominantly of 'Oblacinska' and 'Cigancica' ( GT 85%), while the rest are large fruited cultivars. The most important results of sour cherry production and breeding in Serbia and Montenegro are discussed.