Calcium managing has always been important in sweet cherry cultivation. Calcium plays a crucial role in determining the structure of the cell wall of the middle lamella and the membranes. Additionally, it serves as an essential secondary messenger, influencing cellular compartmentalization and contributing to the ionic balance of the cell.
The research, conducted jointly by researchers from the University of Chile and INRAe (France), aimed to study the dynamics of calcium (Ca) absorption in cherry fruits and leaves.
Isotope labeling was used to track the movement and accumulation of calcium within the plant, specifically on the "Lapins" cultivar grafted onto "Colt" rootstock. The study utilized the stable calcium isotope (44Ca) to distinguish between different sources and to understand its uptake and distribution during various phenological stages of fruit development.
Cherry trees were treated with 44Ca at different stages of fruit development:
Calcium absorption in fruits and leaves was monitored over time to evaluate effectiveness at different stages. The results showed that calcium absorption by fruits was significantly higher when administered at the earlier stage (SI) compared to the later stages (SII and SIII).
Additionally, leaves consistently showed higher 44Ca values compared to fruits at all stages, highlighting the superior capacity of leaves to absorb calcium. The later the foliar application of Ca, the lower the amount of this mineral recovered in leaves and fruits. Therefore, the study concludes that foliar applications of calcium at the beginning of fruit development, particularly during the cell division period, are more effective.
Calcium is fundamental for fruit quality and storage potential. Therefore, proper administration is crucial in sweet cherry cultivation, where maintaining optimal levels is essential to prevent disorders like fruit cracking and to extend shelf-life.
In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the temporal dynamics of calcium absorption in sweet cherry trees and highlights the potential benefits of targeted applications during the early stages of fruit development. These results offer useful guidance on administering calcium in orchards, information that can help sweet cherry growers produce higher quality cherries with better shelf-life, while reducing losses in the supply chain.
Source: Matteo, M., Zoffoli, J. P., Van der Heijden, G., & Ayala, M. (2024). Calcium absorption by fruit and leaves of sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) by isotope labeling. Scientia Horticulturae, 329, 113026.
Image: SL Fruit Service
Andrea Giovannini
University of Bologna (IT)
04 Sep 2026
Strigolactones strengthen postharvest defenses in sweet cherries against Botrytis cinerea. Research on the Xianfeng cultivar shows that 0.1 μM reduces gray mold, lesion development and fungal biomass by activating phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and defense proteins.
04 Jul 2025
CherryTech 2025 brought together more than 1,600 professionals in Chile to explore the future of cherry production. With masterclasses, expert forums, and cutting-edge research, the event highlighted the importance of innovation, pruning techniques, and sustainable practices.
23 Oct 2026
Spring rains in Chile have split early cherries in the north, while damage in O’Higgins, which accounts for over 80% of production, remains marginal so far. Growers are monitoring fungal disease, saturated soils and potential impacts on Chile’s 2026/27 cherry crop.
23 Oct 2026
Da 14 anni, il PMGCe della PUC in Cile seleziona varietà precoci di ciliegio, a basso fabbisogno in freddo e resistenti a caldo, siccità e cracking. Tre selezioni avanzate e 1.000 individui sono valutati in quattro siti: l’obiettivo è registrare una varietà entro il 2030.
