Floods are expected to be one of the factors negatively affecting the social economy in the eastern region of China, where the frequency and magnitude of the effects are expected to increase in the coming years. Summers in Liaoning Province are often characterised by excessive rainfall due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events.
However, the susceptibility of cherry rootstock to fluctuations in soil moisture is widely recognised; in fact, waterlogging can cause the most susceptible plants to die in a single day. Therefore, in order to ensure cherry production even in these areas, certain methods such as effective cultivation practices (e.g., above-ground cultivation and special drainage systems), reoxygenation and activation of plant response mechanisms are necessary.
Sijun Qin.
Examining the impact of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the root tolerance of P. sachalinensis, a prevalent rootstock used in the area, was the subject of a study conducted by researchers from Henan and Liaoning Province. An increase in ascorbic acid and proline levels in the roots was observed following treatment with GABA, which mitigated the damage caused by waterlogging.
According to the results of this experiment, rootstock tolerance to conditions of prolonged soil saturation can be improved through the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence mechanisms by the application of amino acids that can improve the plants' response to unfavourable conditions caused by water logging.
Source: Sijun Qin, Water physiology in root system of cherry rootstock and its regulation management, IX International Cherry Symposium. https://2021.cherries.org.cn/replayEn.html
Images: IX International Cherry Symposium
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)
13 Feb 2025
Researchers from the Hellenic International University (Greece) have attempted to identify environmental issues arising during the cherry production process in order to reduce negative environmental impacts, and optimize production through redesigning the product flow diagram.
13 Jan 2025
A two-year study conducted in the United States on two sweet cherry cultivars, “Emperor Francis” and “Ulster,” analyzed six different soil treatment strategies to identify the best solutions for improving tree growth and managing nematodes.
09 Apr 2026
A study conducted in Chile evaluates chemical thinning in cherry trees using TSA and ACC, compared with manual methods. Results highlight impacts on fruit set, quality and size, offering practical insights for improving orchard productivity and efficiency.
09 Apr 2026
At the IFTA conference in California, new technologies for cherry and stone fruit orchards highlight benefits and limits. From automation and planar systems to growth regulators, growers assess costs, yields and sustainability to improve quality and market competitiveness.
