Keles Cherry

Keles Cherry is a variety of cherry belonging to the species Prunus avium L., known as “0900 Ziraat”, cultivated in the Keles district of Bursa Province, Türkiye. This cherry is characterized by its large, round or broad heart-shaped fruit with a red-hued skin and firm, juicy flesh in pink tones. It is renowned for its sweet taste and balanced sugar-acid ratio. Keles cherries are harvested, stored, and marketed under suitable conditions shortly after harvest for immediate consumption. This variety produces distinctive large, firm, juicy, sweet fruits with an extended shelf life due to the region’s unique climatic conditions (a transitional zone between temperate and continental climates), soil structure (slightly alkaline, sandy-loamy), and high elevation (600–1300 metres). Production relies on specific agricultural practices including certified rootstocks, appropriate grafting methods, controlled irrigation and fertilization, regular pruning, and hand harvesting. The product is offered to consumers either in bulk or packaged form, in compliance with relevant regulations, and is regularly inspected under the coordination of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality.

Keles Cherry (Bursa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry)

Geographical Boundaries and Climatic Conditions

Although the Keles district is near the Sea of Marmara, its position relative to Uludağ and surrounding topography prevents maritime influences from reaching inland areas. As a result, the region experiences a transitional climate combining temperate and continental characteristics. Winters are cold and harsh, while springs are typically rainy and mild, lasting until June. This climate supports the cherry tree’s chilling requirement and protects it from late spring frosts.

Additionally, the high diurnal temperature variation in the region reduces water loss during full growth and ripening, enhancing fruit firmness and extending shelf life. This prevents premature ripening and preserves the fruit’s sweetness and sugar-acid balance. Low rainfall during the ripening period also minimizes fruit cracking.

Cherry orchards in Keles are located at elevations between 600–1300 metres. This elevation range allows the harvest period to be spread over approximately three months, from early June to August. High elevation also supports the trees’ moisture needs and contributes to larger fruit size. The soil structure in the region is generally slightly alkaline and sandy-loamy, which aids in meeting the trees’ water requirements, maintaining optimum soil temperature, and reducing the risk of agricultural frost damage.

Product Characteristics

The Bursa Keles cherry is a large, broad heart-shaped fruit with a red skin and pink, firm, juicy flesh. The pulp is firm, sweet in taste, and the juice is also pink in hue. Flowering typically occurs in April. The harvest period extends from June to August.

Based on harvest time, growing conditions, and maturity level, the key characteristics are as follows:

• Soluble solids content (Brix value): at least %15
• Total sugar content: at least %8
• Titration acidity (expressed as malic acid): at least %4
• Fruit weight: 10–18 g
• Fruit width: 20–35 mm
• Fruit length: 18–30 mm
• Stem length: maximum 5 cm

Production Method and Stages

Orchard Establishment and Sapling Planting

In Keles cherry production, vegetative propagation is carried out by grafting onto rootstocks. Rootstocks may be seedling or clonal. Grafting is typically performed between March and April using suitable techniques such as cleft grafting, bud grafting, whip grafting, or approach grafting. It is recommended that orchards include pollinator varieties; preferred options include Starks Gold, Lambert, Noble, Regina, Lapins, Bigarreau Gaucher, and Jubilee.

When selecting saplings, appropriate rootstock-scion combinations are determined and certified saplings are prioritized. Suitable rootstocks and grafting methods are applied based on the soil and climatic conditions of the planting site. South-facing, low-elevation areas are preferred. Planting generally begins after leaf fall in late autumn and continues until mid-April. Prior to planting, saplings are pruned and placed in the soil at the same depth from which they were removed from the grafting site. Planting can be carried out in autumn or, under suitable conditions, in spring. After planting, saplings must be watered thoroughly.

Soil and Climatic Conditions

For orchard establishment, sites with high water retention capacity and well-drained base soils are preferred. The region’s soils are predominantly sandy-loamy. The climatic conditions reflect those of a transitional zone between temperate and continental climates. Care must be taken during spring to protect against late frosts, and the beneficial effect of high diurnal temperature variation in reducing water loss from fruit must be considered.

Irrigation

Irrigation requirements are determined according to season and climatic conditions. Drip irrigation is recommended.

Fertilization

Both organic manure and commercial fertilizers may be used in fertilization. Soil and leaf analyses are recommended prior to fertilization. The determined fertilizer quantity is applied to the canopy projection area without direct contact with the trunk or roots.

Agricultural Pest and Disease Control

Pest control is carried out considering the bud break and flowering periods. Approved plant protection products in compliance with relevant regulations are used. Control activities are conducted in spring and autumn to improve soil aeration and manage weeds.

Pruning

Both winter and summer pruning are performed on Keles cherry trees. Modified central leader or modified leader systems are used. Pruning is repeated annually according to tree development. The upright shoot pruning system is preferred. Pruning begins after harvest and continues until December; however, it may be delayed if winter temperatures are excessively low. Tools must be disinfected between each tree. Diseased, weak, crowded, broken, or cracked branches are removed. Regular pruning is essential for fruit set, ease of harvest, adequate light penetration, air circulation, and efficient maintenance operations.

Harvesting

Keles cherries are hand-harvested with their stems intact once they reach sufficient maturity and develop the required red colour and size. Care must be taken to avoid damaging branches, and containers suitable for food contact and not excessively large must be used.

Storage and Preservation

Harvested cherries are stored in dry, cool, clean, and odour-free environments. The product should be delivered to consumers immediately after harvest. For longer-term storage, cherries may be kept in cold storage facilities in appropriate crates or packaging. Excessive stacking must be avoided during storage.

Market Supply

The product is marketed in bulk or in appropriate packaging, with labelling information compliant with applicable regulations.

Harvest, Storage and Market Supply

Mature fruits are hand-harvested with their stems when they attain the desired colour and taste characteristics. Care is taken to avoid damage to branches during harvesting. Cherries are collected in containers suitable for food contact and not excessively large.

Storage is carried out in dry, cool, clean and odour-free environments. Products must be delivered to consumers without delay. For long-term preservation, cherries are stored in cold storage facilities in packaging compliant with food contact standards. When marketed, the product is sold in bulk or packaged form with labelling information compliant with applicable regulations.

Inspection and Protection

Inspections are conducted by a minimum three-member inspection board coordinated by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, with representatives from the Bursa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and the Keles Chamber of Agriculture. These inspections are carried out at least once annually; additional inspections may be conducted in response to complaints or specific needs. Inspection reports are submitted annually by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.

The inspection board monitors the use of the geographical indication for Keles cherry, as well as the processes of harvest, storage, preservation and market supply, and ensures compliance with the established production methods. Product analyses may be conducted where deemed necessary. Any deficiencies or non-compliances identified during inspections are reported to the relevant individuals, institutions or organizations, and corrective measures are required. The inspection board may seek support or procure services from public or private institutions or experts in the field. Legal proceedings for the protection of product rights are carried out by the registering institution.

Keles Cherry (generated by artificial intelligence.)