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Black Cherry Questions & Answers
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Four-year old black
cherry
already at 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
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1. What are genetically superior black cherry trees?
These trees are the result of selecting trees that show superior form and
growth rate, and are less likely to possess gum defects. Historically, the best
black cherry originates in Pennsylvania and New York. Our trees are from these
areas. Scion wood, or bud wood, from these
genetically superior trees is grafted onto black cherry root stock and then
planted in research plots. Superior cultivars are then selected.
2. What are the main differences between the improved seedlings and the
grafted trees?
The grafted trees are genetically identical clones of the parent cultivars
described above. The superior seedlings are grown from the seeds of these trees.
The seedlings will vary somewhat from their parent trees, but should still be
genetically capable of growing faster and straighter than common black cherry
seedlings.
3. Are the genetically superior black cherry trees really that much better
than common seedlings.
Because desirable traits such as growth rate and form are inheritable to
some degree, selecting trees that are superior in this regard and then selecting
trees by the same criteria from successive generations produces a tree that is
superior to common seedlings with inferior parents. After just four years of
growth, some of our cherry trees are 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 18 ft. tall.
4. Will the genetically superior black cherry trees grow and survive in my
area?
Black cherry is native from northern Florida to Minnesota and west to Texas,
Oklahoma and the Dakotas. It grows well in these areas where there is fertile,
well-drained soil with adequate moisture.
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Genetically superior 4 year 3 month
old black cherry in Central Indiana.
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5. What are gum defects?
This is a common defect in cherry. At this point, it is not known what
causes the defect. Research has shown possible causes are boring insects,
genetics and burning of pastures and forests where cherry are growing. We are
closely following research by the U.S. Forest Service and hope to have an answer
in the future. Our current selections are coming from areas with a limited
amount of gum defects and from trees which show little, if any, gum defects.
These areas are also where the highest value cherry trees in the nation have
been harvested.
6. Will the trees grow well several hundred miles from where they originated?
Our experience has been that as long as soil, nutrient and water
requirements are met, these trees will do well in a very large geographical
area.
7. Should I consider wind when selecting a site on which to plant black
cherry trees?
Yes. Black cherry has a shallow fibrous root system and is somewhat brittle.
Therefore, a site that is protected from wind is desirable. The protection could
be in the form of an overgrown fence row, a wooded area, or some type of
geographical configuration. If you do not have any of these, a windbreak could
be planted relatively easily and economically. We recommend windbreaks on all
plantations if possible. We also believe interplanting with poplars can provide
excellent wind protection and help to improve the form of the cherry trees.
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