Robots and AI Bring Smarter Pruning to Apple, Cherry and Blueberry Orchards

Tech management

28 Oct 2025

Artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping pruning in orchards. Apples, cherries and blueberries are at the core of smart systems enhancing efficiency, precision and sustainability through sensors, AI algorithms, data analysis, and hyper-realistic digital tree models.

Argentina's 2025/26 cherry season at risk as Capci tones down export outlook

Markets

28 Oct 2025

Argentina’s 2025/26 cherry season begins with mixed signals. Capci warns of early fruit drop affecting export volumes. Despite good fruit quality, unstable weather and production issues may impact international shipments, pushing forecasts toward stability or slight decline.

Micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 tested in a commercial nursery in India

Rootstocks

28 Oct 2025

A new micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 rootstock was developed in Aurangabad, India. The study achieved excellent results in asepsis, rooting and shoot proliferation, paving the way for healthy cherry stock production and modern nursery propagation techniques.

U.S. cherry exports to China drop, but industry expands across Asia

Markets

27 Oct 2025

U.S. cherry exports to China dropped by 35% in 2025 due to tariffs, local competition and extreme weather. Despite setbacks, the industry remains resilient, boosting shipments to emerging Asian markets including Vietnam, India, Japan and Mexico to offset the decline.

Soil calcium: how to improve cherry firmness in early spring

Tech management

27 Oct 2025

Applying calcium to the soil during spring can enhance cherry firmness in Chile, even in calcium-rich soils. This article explores early-season applications, the role of vapor pressure deficit (VPD), root zone temperatures, and internal calcium reserves in fruit trees.

Veronese Hills Cherry nears PGI status: green light expected by November

Specialties

24 Oct 2025

The Veronese Hills Cherry is nearing PGI recognition, with the Veneto Region’s opinion expected by November. Regional councillor Alberto Bozza made the announcement during a Coldiretti Verona meeting on quality labels, extreme weather, and energy storage systems.

Sweet cherry genome ‘Tieton’: genetic breakthrough from China’s Shandong region

Breeding

24 Oct 2025

A new telomere-to-telomere reference genome for the sweet cherry ‘Tieton’, developed in China’s Shandong region, marks a major advance in plant genomics and opens new paths for precision breeding, genetic analysis, and varietal innovation in fruit crops.

Australia launches export plan: premium cherries target global markets

Markets

24 Oct 2025

Australia launches a new strategy to triple cherry exports by 2030, focusing on quality, premium markets, grower training and market access. Led by Hort Innovation, the plan aims to position Australian cherries as a top-tier product in international markets.

Bud grafting: optimal techniques and timing for propagation in Himachal Pradesh

Tech management

23 Oct 2025

A study conducted in Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh (India), shows that chip budding between May 15–30 is the most effective method for sweet cherry propagation, ensuring high grafting success rates, optimal plant growth and better commercial yield.

Washington Cherries: New Tech Turns Surplus into Shelf-Stable Snacks

Processed

23 Oct 2025

A USDA-funded project by Washington State University uses Vacuum Microwave Drying (VMD) and edible coatings to turn sweet cherries into shelf-stable, safe, and high-quality products, helping reduce waste, support growers, and increase global market opportunities.