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
12 Sep 2023
The new Chilean cherry season could increase by 20 percent, which would depend not only on climatic and logistical factors but also on the continued diversification of domestic and international ports handling fresh fruit exports. An effort by the entire supply chain will be need
04 Jun 2024
‘That the Chiusa Sclafani cherry is the most extraordinary in Italy we have always known,’ says Angelo Vellino, the town's historic producer, ‘this is the result achieved thanks to the great commitment, professionalism and sacrifices of all the producers.
06 Mar 2026
In Chile, the world leader in cherry exports, an INIA study analyzes the evolution of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in commercial orchards. The research highlights local adaptation and copper resistance as key factors for integrated management and sustainable production.
06 Mar 2026
Tart cherries, rich in melatonin, tryptophan and polyphenols, may improve sleep and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. A review of seven clinical studies analyzed effects on sleep duration, efficiency and biomarkers, with promising but not consistent results.
