Chile hit by bad weather, estimated 30% loss on early varieties

07 Nov 2023
1153

Producers in Chile are facing the challenge of mitigating the recent damage to early cherry production caused by heavy rains in various regions of the country. According to Jorge Valenzuela, the president of the fruit producer federation Fedefruta, the impact of the rains has been particularly severe on early cherry varieties, resulting in losses ranging from 15% to 50% due to splitting. Fortunately, the later cherry varieties have not been affected.

The most significant damage has been reported in the Metropolitan and VII Regions, where a substantial decrease of at least 30-40% in fruit production has been observed. Valenzuela pointed out that the excessive moisture has saturated the soil, making it challenging to drain the affected farms due to the strain on the irrigation infrastructure.

In response to these challenges, Fedefruta is urging affected producers to apply fungicides and adhere strictly to phytosanitary programs to prevent further damage to their crops. They emphasize that soils have a limited capacity to absorb water, and some farms may face difficulties in addressing the waterlogged conditions.

Read the full article: Asiafruit


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

New Picota cherries from Spain: less pit, more quality and stem-free harvest

Breeding

17 Sep 2025

In Spain’s Jerte Valley, new Picota cherry cultivars enhance fruit quality, reduce pit size, and support stem-free harvesting. A recent study identifies four promising genotypes with commercial size, shelf-life resistance, and post-harvest performance in MAP.

Argentine Producers Association predicts 6,000 tons: estimated 50 percent for domestic market

Press review

27 Nov 2023

The main characteristic of this season is that the harvest is about 7-10 days later than usual. This is mainly due to unseasonal weather, with a low temperature range between day and night.

In evidenza

Jujuy leads the way: South America's first fresh cherries harvested in September

Production

07 Oct 2025

On September 30, the first fresh cherries of the season were harvested in Jujuy, Argentina. This historic milestone opens a new production window for export, thanks to advanced agronomic practices, ultra-early cherry varieties, and unique microclimate and ideal local conditions.

Corette rootstocks: the new frontier of modern high-density cherry growing

Rootstocks

07 Oct 2025

The new Corette rootstock series is reshaping cherry cultivation: rusticity, heat and drought resistance, and adaptability to high-density orchards. Cass, Crawford, and Lake offer earliness, fruit quality, yield, and sustainability for a truly competitive cherry future.

Tag Popolari