Selection of sweet and sour cherry dwarfing rootstocks and development of intensive cultivation technology based on the sustainable agriculture principles

The project unifies preservation and utilization of autochthonous genetic resources with breeding new cherry rootstocks. The natural population polymorphism of Prunus avium, P. cerasus, P. fruticosa and P. mahaleb provides originality, relevance and international recognition of these studies. The confirmation of unique diversity and usefulness of autochthonous germplasm will be obtained as a result of anatomical, physiological and molecular research in development of preselection methods for dwarfing rootstocks. Genetic variability will also be explored through study of vegetative propagation potential of soft and hardwood cuttings, by in vitro micropropagation and conventional methods. Breeding concept will be defined through design of cultivar models based on innovative biotechnologies -proprietary technological solutions in the field of vegetative and reproductive potential of cultivars, physiology of growth and development. Additional breeding program recognition and exclusivity will be achieved through creation of columnar and decorative forms, where plant architecture will be studied as a multi-faceted interaction between rootstock and scion. Biochemistry and fitopharmacy research will ensure the highest quality, health and safety standards of fruit and export product. Economic investment justification is high, as the study results can be the foundation for development of entire rural regions.