Sultandağı Cherry

Afyonkarahisar province’s Sultandağı and Çay districts produce a fruit made from the cherry variety known as “0900 Ziraat”, with the Latin botanical name Prunus avium L. Cherry cultivation in the region dates back to the 1940s and 1950s, and the product’s reputation and recognition are closely tied to its geographical origin. This has established the cherry as one of the region’s key export agricultural products. Sultandağı cherry was officially registered as a geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 08.01.2021 under registration number 644. The microclimate conditions shaped by the influence of Eber and Akşehir lakes contribute significantly to the development of the fruit’s distinctive characteristics.

Product Characteristics

Sultandağı cherry possesses unique color, taste, and size. The fruit has a broad heart-shaped form, with pink to red flesh and a glossy dark red skin. The flesh is classified as firm.

Average (± 10%) product characteristics are as follows:

• Fruit Weight: 10.9 g
• Fruit Width: 28.3 mm
• Fruit Height: 23.9 mm
• Fruit Flesh Weight: 9.5 g
• Soluble Solid Content (Brix value): At least 18%
• Cracking Rate: Below 3%

The climate and soil structure of the geographical area support the fruit’s distinguishing qualities. The evaporation effect from the lakes reduces water loss during ripening while maintaining an optimal balance of acidity and sugar. The predominantly silty soil structure helps maintain ideal levels of moisture and soil temperature for the trees.

Production Method

Sultandağı cherry cultivation is carried out through specific stages and techniques:

• Seedling Supply and Planting: Seedlings must be certified, and an appropriate rootstock/scion combination suited to ecological conditions must be selected. Planting is typically conducted between late autumn and mid-April, preferably during autumn months. Post-planting watering is essential.
• Grafting: Common grafting techniques include eye grafting, cleft grafting, and whip grafting.
• Pruning: On standard rootstocks, the goblet training system is applied; on semi-dwarf varieties, the pyramid system is used. The central leader system is preferred. Lateral branches are spread to form an 80°–90° angle with the trunk to encourage early fruiting.
• Soil Management, Irrigation and Fertilization: Soil aeration and weed control are performed in spring and autumn. The drip irrigation system is ideal; however, with other irrigation methods, care is taken to ensure water does not contact the root collar. Fertilization is based on soil analysis results: organic manure, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied in autumn; nitrogen fertilizers are applied in spring, after petal fall and at harvest.
• Plant Protection: Integrated pest management methods are applied. Meteorological data are considered in disease and pest control, and biological control methods such as attractant traps and pheromones are used. Due to its export status, plant protection products are used in compliance with regulations.
• Harvest: Harvesting of the late-maturing Sultandağı cherry typically occurs between 20 June and 25 July. The cherries are hand-picked with their stems intact, using small transport containers, once their color, size, taste and ripeness reach optimal levels.

Geographical Boundary and Monitoring

The registered geographical boundary for Sultandağı cherry comprises the Sultandağı and Çay districts of Afyonkarahisar province.

Monitoring activities are conducted by a monitoring body coordinated by the Sultandağı District Governorship and the Sultandağı District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. This body consists of at least three members, including one representative each from the Sultandağı District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the Çay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Sultandağı Chamber of Agriculture.

Monitoring is carried out at least once annually; additional inspections may be conducted upon complaint or necessity.

The responsibilities of the monitoring body include:

• Verifying the proper use of the Sultandağı cherry geographical indication,
• Ensuring production complies with the criteria outlined in the “Production Method” section (cultivation techniques and harvesting).

Monitoring results are reported annually in accordance with Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and submitted to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office by the Sultandağı District Governorship.