The research project entitled 'Improving two-phase phenology models to forecast bloom in sweet cherry trees under future climate scenarios' was awarded to Professor Eduardo Fernández from the School of Agronomy at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Fernández, a professor at the same institution, will be in charge of the study that aims to understand how climate change has affected the flowering date of deciduous trees over the decades.
The research, aimed at finding a way to identify the flowering date of cherry trees in the face of the potential impacts of climate change, is a key objective for academics at the PUCV School of Agronomy. Fernández emphasised the importance of predicting this event and anticipating future temperature changes.
The lecturer explained that deciduous fruit trees, such as the cherry tree, spend the winter period without leaves, and knowledge of the flowering date is crucial for the cherry industry. This information allows fruit growers to plan activities such as foliage application, pollination, and dates for hiring personnel for harvesting.
Fernández highlighted how climate change has affected the flowering date of deciduous trees over the decades, motivating the need to understand and predict these changes in order to adapt agricultural practices. He emphasised that the choice of the cherry tree for the study was not accidental, considering that it is one of the most cultivated species in the country in terms of temperate climate fruit trees.
Read the full article: Redagrícola
06 May 2024
‘In production we find traditional and mechanised processes, but logistics are still mainly manual,’ says Mónica Tierno, general manager of the Valle del Jerte Cooperative Group, ‘although this does not mean that it is slower. Time is against this product’.
22 Nov 2023
Fuenzalida points out that Boban is the Chinese name by which Copefrut has long been known in the Asian market. Leveraging this capital of knowledge and penetration, it will be the brand under which they will try to win the palate and recognition of Chinese consumers.
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.
17 Sep 2025
Field trials tested Armonigro on Brooks and Santina cherry trees and May Glo nectarines in Chile’s Aconcagua Valley. The treatments aimed to improve yield and fruit size under adverse climatic conditions, including low chill hours and irregular bud development.
