Development and selection of asian ornamental cherry trees in Serra Catarinense

Abstract

Many species of ornamental cherry trees of Asian origin were introduced in various parts of the world and today they beautify parks and gardens, becoming a tourist attraction after winter. Species of ornamental cherry trees were also introduced in Brazil and some of them in Serra Catarinense, and some of them show excellent adaptation to local meteorological conditions. In São Joaquim, SC, based on the introduced species that adapted to the temperate altitude climate, genetic improvement work began with the aim of obtaining new ornamental cherry trees and extending the flowering period in the Serra Catarinense. In this way, from 2002 work began on collecting seeds, sowing and growing the plants obtained in order to obtain genetic variability for the selection of new ornamental cherry trees. The new cherry trees selected will add to the existing ones, aiming to extend the flowering period currently restricted to two periods in the year, one in September and the other in October. Between 2005 and 2020, 60 new mother plants of ornamental cherry trees were pre-selected based on flowering precocity, intensity and duration, as well as the color and tone of the flowers. With the cultivation of new cherry trees it will be possible to increase the flowering period by three months, from the end of July to the end of October.