Do non-GMO cherry bushes exist?

Expert response from GMOAnswers Admin_1

Monday, 25/04/2016 12:46

Like apples, cherries come from trees grown in orchards. Cherries are one of the first fruit crops to be harvested in spring, causing excitement on the fruit scene and in stores. Cherries, like all commercially produced fruit trees, are propagated by grafting, meaning a tree shoot is connected to rootstock, creating a genetically consistent fruit with a strong base to maximize growth and nutrient uptake.

There are currently no cherry trees, and therefore, no cherry fruit, which have been developed using biotechnology. Several companies, including Okanagan Specialty Fruits, are actively exploring the use of the latest biotechnology tools to deliver exciting traits to cherry growers and consumers!

Cherry trees used for fruit production and/or cherrywood are seeing interest from researchers hoping to better cherry trees and their products. Biotechnology is being used to develop unique traits such as pest and disease resistance, enhanced fruit quality characteristics and improved root stock that can better access water and nutrients. Varieties of cherries developed through biotechnology may help increase sustainability by reducing agronomic inputs, minimizing crop losses throughout the value chain, and improving the overall quality of products reaching consumers.

So, while you cannot currently find any GM-cherries in the store, the future is bright, and biotech enhanced cherry trees show great potential to provide increased fruit and wood quality, offer advantages to farmers and consumers, and reduce environmental impacts.