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Influence of cultivar and rootstock on fruit cracking index of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/asphc.2026.5686
Submitted: 30 March 2026
Published: 18.08.2026

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of cultivar and rootstock on the fruit cracking index and harvest date of sweet cherry under the agro-ecological conditions of Trebinje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Four Italian sweet cherry cultivars (Marysa, Sweet Gabriel, Sweet Valina, and Sweet Stephany) grafted onto two vegetative rootstocks (Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) were evaluated during the 2025 growing season. The results showed statistically significant differences among combinations cultivar/rootstock in both harvest date and fruit cracking index. The lowest cracking index was recorded for Sweet Stephany grafted onto Gisela 6, while the highest susceptibility
was observed for Marysa grafted onto the same rootstock. Overall, cultivars grafted onto Gisela 6 exhibited higher cracking susceptibility compared to those grafted onto Gisela 5. A strong and highly significant negative correlation (r = −0.91**) was established between harvest date and fruit cracking index, indicating that earlier-ripening cultivars were more prone to cracking. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars and rootstocks in reducing the risk of fruit cracking. However, in order to provide more valuable information for the introduction of new sweet cherry cultivars and the establishment of sustainable orchards under similar agroecological conditions, it is necessary to extend the study over two or even three years, as only in this way can reliable and relevant data be obtained.

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