PROJECTS

The CherrySCOPE project aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the molecular, cellular, and developmental mechanisms governing the formation and function of the Pedicel–Fruit Abscission Zone (PFAZ) in sweet cherry, which determines the ease of fruit detachment during ripening. CherrySCOPE employs cutting-edge genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches at single-cell resolution, integrating single-cell RNA-seq and single-cell multiome (RNA-seq & ATAC-seq) technologies with anatomical and functional analyses. In parallel, a high-quality reference genome of the Greek sweet cherry cultivar ‘Tragana Edessis’ will be decoded and generated, providing a foundation for precise gene mapping and functional interpretation of the molecular networks controlling abscission.Through comparative analysis of cultivars exhibiting different abscission behaviors, the project will identify cell types, regulatory networks, and key genes controlling cell wall degradation and activation of the abscission zone. The results will be exploited for molecular improvement of sweet cherry and for the development of cultivars and technologies compatible with mechanical harvesting.

1. CherrySCOPE will strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of Greek sweet cherry production by delivering knowledge that will enable reduced harvesting costs, address labor shortages, and support the production of pedicel-free fruit tailored to modern market demands. At the same time, it will establish advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge scientific datasets that will support future breeding and innovation programs in tree crops.