If Peru wants to embark on large-scale cherry production, it must begin to understand the importance of selecting the most suitable area for its cultivation, as this fruit is highly sensitive to climatic factors, according to Marlene Ayala, agronomist and specialist in Fruit Production and Physiology at the Innovation Center of the Catholic University of Chile.
"One of the key aspects for cherry cultivation is the correct choice of the agroclimatic zone. Cherries are delicate fruits that require winter chill, ideally accumulating temperatures between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius, and then warmth in spring for blossoming and fruit development."
"Therefore, one must seek an area with mild climate, no rain during blossoming, no hail, no frost, and few cloudy days. Regarding the soil, a relatively deep, aerated, and fertile soil is necessary," noted the expert.
The specialist indicated that cherry crops require winter chill. Depending on the variety, she said, between 500 and 1,500 chill hours may be needed. Subsequently, during the blossoming to harvest phase, warmth is required, accumulating, depending on the variety, between 450 and 700 degree days.
"It needs a mild spring, with temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius and no climatic incidents. If we don't prioritize the climate, we will face production losses such as double fruits, fruit damage, cracking, fruit dehydration, and lower yield," she added.
Equally important is understanding the genetics of the fruit, which will determine yields, quality, plantation precocity, and post-harvest fruit life. "In cherries, it's crucial to have fruits with good post-harvest life because markets are distant unless air transport is used for exports," she observed.
She added that understanding cherry genetics will allow Peruvian producers to select the most suitable varieties for the country's climatic conditions. "That's why I say the choice of technological package (for cherry development in Peru) depends on you. It cannot be just a copy-paste (of success stories from other countries). In Chile, for example, we have few varieties that work for us," she noted.
Source: Agraria.pe
Image: Agraria.pe
17 Aug 2023
Imported U.S. cherries always occupy a prominent position on the shelves of Chinese supermarkets during the summer. However, the beginning of the 2023 season has seen markedly lower prices than in previous years.
26 Jul 2024
Some of this work was also carried out in other external farms belonging to their customers, located in different parts of Spain, Azerbaijan or Georgia: where the homogenisation of flower products is being tested.
02 Jun 2025
Drosophila suzukii minaccia le colture frutticole cilene: il 61% degli insetticidi autorizzati appartiene a poche famiglie chimiche. Scopri strategie integrate, uso dei bioinsetticidi, rifugi ecologici e app IRAC per una gestione efficace e sostenibile della resistenza.
02 Jun 2025
A study on postharvest treatments with calcium and silicon reveals how to improve firmness, color and acidity of Bing cherries grown in Mexico. The results show reduced weight loss and enhanced commercial and sensory quality of the fruit during cold storage.
