Skeena cherry

Skeena is a cultivar of cherry originating in Canada.

Skeena cherry
Genus	Prunus
Species	Prunus avium
Hybrid parentage	2N-60-7 × 2N-38-22
Cultivar	Skeena
Origin	Summerland, British Columbia, 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-38-22, was a hybrid of Bing and Stella.[1] 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.[2]

Tree characteristics

Trees of the Skeena cherry are vigorous and spreading, with a medium flower density.[2] It is considered significantly easier to manage its habit compared to the Lapins cultivar.[3] Like its Stella ancestor, it is self-fertile.[4] It blooms about 4-5 days later than Bing.[1]

Fruit characteristics

Skeena is considered a late-season cherry, ripening 12-15 days after Bing.[1] Its fruits are large and very firm, with dark red flesh and dark red to black skin.[3] It has a higher cracking resistance than the standard cultivars.[2] However, very high temperatures for several days can lead to post-harvest problems with the fruit.[5]

References

1. WSU Tree Fruit: Skeena Washington State University
2. 'Skeena' Sweet Cherry HortScience 35(2):306–307. April 2000
3. Summerland Varieties:Skeena
4. WSU Tree Fruit: Sweet Cherry Pollination
5. "Five Most Important Attributes of Sweet Cherries and the Varieties that Fill These Needs" Oregon State University Extension Service