Pollen delivery and availability appear to be key to improving fruit set of Balaton cherries, a new sweet-tart cherry that holds promise to become a major variety but has had discouraging yields the past few years. Balaton made its commercial debut in the United States in 1984 when Dr. Amy Iezzoni brought the dark-skinned, Morello-type cherry from Hungary. Iezzoni, horticulturist for Michigan State University, saw potential in the variety because of its sweet-tart taste and dark burgundy color. Extensive field tests were conducted with commercial growers and processors in several states. Acreage of Balaton has now grown to about 1,100 […]