His program includes selecting cherries for the hot, dry conditions of the Italian South and others suited to the cooler areas in the north of Italy. Because of high picking costs, one of Albertini's main goals is to select a cherry that can be harvested mechanically with the stem on. Albertini is also breeding for size and firmness. Although not for mechanical harvest, Giorgia, is the most promising of the new Italian releases that have come out of this program. Giorgia comes into bearing early, usually in the third leaf, and produces large crops of firm cherries.
Size is only average.
The Italians are also readily adopting varieties developed in other parts of Europe and North America. One Italian Extension agent told me that more than 50 percent of the new plantings in the Vignola region of Italy are Lapins. Canadian releases besides Lapins that are being planted in this area include Summit, Celeste, and Sweetheart. Sweetheart is considered the cherry of the future for the late market in this region of Italy. Canadian varieties are preferred for their large size, as well as consistent and early production.