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

07 Nov 2023
2213

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

Wild cherries: the Melinda-VIP partnership is bearing fruit

Markets

09 Sep 2026

The first mountain cherry season shared by Melinda and VIP ended on a positive note: pooled volumes, processing and coordinated marketing improved efficiency, supported growers’ margins and strengthened the competitiveness of the cherry supply chain during a challenging market se

The importance of firmness in Chilean cherries for the Chinese market

Quality

22 Jul 2024

In Chile, the industry has worked to standardise levels of firmness, and although there is no single number, it is clear to all of us that above 240 g/mm at harvest, the requirements are already being met. Obviously, the higher the value, the better.

In evidenza

The agreement on the Staccato variety brings new investment for the development of cherry cultivation in Canada

Varieties

18 Sep 2026

Canada and the US settle the dispute over Staccato® cherries. Monson Fruit Company will pay past and future royalties, stop propagating new Staccato® trees through 2029 and refrain from exporting fruit outside the US through 2032, ending a six-year long legal battle.

Covered cherry cultivation: a handbook on the establishment and management of cherry orchards

Covers

18 Sep 2026

Centro Fruticultura Sur will host a seminar in Chillán, Chile, on protected fruit cultivation, featuring two new publications on covered cherry production and European hazelnut physiology and management, with tools to address climate variability in modern orchards.

Tag Popolari