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

07 Nov 2023
2303

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

Lebanese cherries aim for EU export with new training

Markets

30 Jun 2025

In Lebanon, cherry farmers and agri-SMEs from the Bekaa Valley and Mount Lebanon are receiving ILO-supported training to meet EU compliance standards. The initiative aims to boost certification, strengthen value chains, and improve access to international export markets.

More sustainable Swiss cherries: 2025 harvest of 2,400 tonnes according to new standards

Markets

10 Jul 2025

Switzerland harvests 2,400 tonnes of cherries under the 'Nachhaltigkeit Früchte' programme. The new 2025 season marks a step forward for the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Swiss fruit growing, supported by retailers and politicians.

In evidenza

How to prevent cracking in cherry wood: advice from an expert

Tech management

16 Oct 2026

Rain in Chile threatens cherry quality as harvest approaches. The article outlines strategies to prevent fruit cracking and manage Botrytis, covering protective biofilms, chloride applications, irrigation management and timely treatments during ripening and harvest.

The ‘Ciliegia delle Colline Veronesi’ is getting ever closer to PGI status

Specialties

16 Oct 2026

Ciliegia delle Colline Veronesi moves towards PGI status after a successful public hearing on its production rules. The area spans 54 municipalities, over 1,200 hectares and more than 2,300 farms. Next come national procedures and EU scrutiny to protect local producers.

Tag Popolari