Zoucheng City is a key production area for Chinese cherries, with a long history of cultivation that has led to the development of numerous varieties. Since 1994, the city has experienced rapid growth in cherry cultivation, especially in greenhouses, where technological advancements have significantly improved productivity. The application of ice-breaking dormancy techniques has helped overcome challenges related to early spring fruiting, resulting in higher economic returns. However, most protected-area cherry plantings still rely on local red cherry varieties, which are plagued by small fruit size, susceptibility to cracking, and difficulties in artificial low-temperature cracking. These issues make the fruit less appealing to consumers, thereby limiting the further expansion of the cherry industry in the region.
To address this problem, in 2002, we introduced a new large-fruited variety called Chaozaohong, developed by the Zaozhuang Fruit Science Research Institute. This variety requires lower chilling hours and shows excellent performance under greenhouse conditions, leading to promising results. Below are the main characteristics and cultivation techniques of this variety.
**Main Characteristics of the Variety**
**1.1 Tree Growth and Fruiting Traits**
The tree is medium-sized, reaching a height of about 3.1 meters, with a trunk height of approximately 60 cm and a crown diameter of around 3 meters. It exhibits strong growth potential and develops a full canopy early. The bark is grayish-green, and annual seedlings can form a large number of flower buds within the same year, leading to good flowering and fruiting the following year. This variety fruits earlier than average Chinese cherries, entering the high-yield stage 2–3 years ahead and producing larger fruits 4–5 years earlier. Perennial branches have a strong ability to bear fruit continuously, making the yield more stable. The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and two to three times larger than those of regular Chinese cherries. It requires only about half to two-thirds the chilling hours of common varieties, making it ideal for protected cultivation.
**1.2 Economic Traits of the Fruits**
The fruit size is 1.5 to 2 times larger than that of ordinary Chinese cherries. It is oblate and spherical, with an individual weight of about 4.2 grams. The flesh is fine and juicy, with a balanced sweetness and acidity, giving it superior quality. The fruit matures in late April. However, its thin skin makes storage and transportation slightly challenging, making it more suitable for urban or industrial areas. With 21% soluble solids, it is of extremely high quality and outperforms other Chinese cherry varieties in greenhouse settings, making it the preferred choice for such cultivation.
**1.3 Phenological Periods**
Local sprouting typically occurs in late February, with flowering in mid-March. Fruits mature in late April, which is earlier than most other varieties. This early maturation allows for a competitive market entry, offering high profit margins and broad development potential.
**1.4 Adaptability**
This super-early red cherry variety is suitable for cultivation in areas where regular cherries are grown. In northern regions, special attention should be given to cold protection and increased organic fertilizer use. During the full fruiting period, proper thinning is essential to maintain tree vigor and prevent premature aging.
Whole Octopus,Cooked Frozen Octopus,Cooked Whole Octopus,Frozen Boiled Octopus
Zhejiang Zhoufu Food Co., Ltd. , https://www.zhoufu-food.com