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Skeena cherry

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Skeena cherry
GenusPrunus
SpeciesPrunus avium
Hybrid parentage2N-60-7 × 2N-38-22
CultivarSkeena
OriginSummerland, British Columbia, Canada

Skeena is a cultivar of cherry originating in Canada.

Cultivar history

The Skeena variety originated as a hybrid of two unnamed cherry hybrids. One of the parent varieties, 2N-60-7, was a hybrid of Van and Stella, while the other parent, 2N-38-32,[1] was a hybrid of Bing and Stella.[2] It was developed in Summerland, British Columbia at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, for the purpose of providing a high-quality late-season cherry that matures about 14-16 days after Van. The cross was made in 1976 and selected in 1984.[3]

Tree characteristics

Trees of the Skeena cherry are vigorous and spreading, with a medium flower density.[3] It is considered significantly easier to manage its habit compared to the Lapins cultivar.[4] Like its Stella ancestor, it is self-fertile.[5] It blooms about 4-5 days later than Bing.[2]

Fruit characteristics

Skeena is considered a late-season cherry, ripening 12-15 days after Bing.[2] Its fruits are large and very firm, with dark red flesh and dark red to black skin.[4] It has a higher cracking resistance than the standard cultivars.[3] However, very high temperatures for several days can cause the fruit to become too soft, leading to post-harvest problems.[6]

References