Chilean researchers study how to optimise rain protection systems

05 Nov 2024
109

Dr. Richard Bastías, a professor in the Department of Plant Production at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Concepción, along with agricultural engineer Ignacio Urra, has initiated an R&D contract to study and define the techniques that cherry producers in Osorno, in the Los Lagos Region, will use to improve production of their covered orchards.

It is well known that Chile is the leading country in the Southern hemisphere for cherry exports, with volumes exceeding 400,000 tons, with production mainly concentrated between the O'Higgins and Maule regions. However, recently this sector has also expanded to the far south of Chile, where climatic conditions are more complex, but offer farmers in that area an alternative for greater profitability.

In Osorno, cherry production takes place under protective covers, as producers are required to use them due to the climatic conditions; this is one of the reasons why experts from Agronomy UdeC will have to conduct studies to achieve improvements in production and marketing.

Research Project Objectives

"We are visiting three producers who have extensive cherry orchards, and we will conduct research tests with them. This is new for us, as it is the first time that the University of Concepción is working in the Los Lagos Region on this subject, which presents a different production reality and climatic conditions; therefore, it is very interesting for us as a university to be here supporting these cherry producers," stated Dr. Richard Bastías, adding: "The other innovative aspect we are addressing is how to improve the quality and characteristics of cherries produced under covers, particularly by increasing sugar levels in the fruit."

The work being done by the experts results from an agreement between UdeC and the company AcciónFruit, which allows for assistance to a Technology Transfer Group (GTT) of cherries in Osorno. "We are exchanging opinions, techniques, and learning because for us, as university researchers, it is essential to expand our relationship with this productive sector. Mutual learning also allows us to transfer this knowledge and experience to the teaching processes of our agronomy students, providing them with new professional opportunities."

Quality Improvement Techniques

With the initial diagnosis work, the goal is to provide the best alternatives for quality production. "For instance, we need to specify the management of opening and closing techniques of the covers, and through tree physiology management, resolve the issue of low sugar levels in cherries under these climatic conditions, attributed to the reduced availability of sunlight in the area, characterized by many cloudy days. This problem is further accentuated by the use of covers to protect the fruit from rain, hail, and other conditions, which further limit the sunlight available to the trees, restricting their photosynthetic potential. We will study various techniques to address these issues," explained Dr. Bastías.

So far, the work conducted includes the physiological management of the trees, including plant diagnosis through light, temperature, and relative humidity sensors, among other factors. "Additionally, we are testing various physiological management techniques to try to improve the sugar content of cherries to restore their flavor, as cherries are appreciated primarily for their taste," the expert emphasized.


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Global cherry export rocketed from 2 to USD 5 billions in 10 years

Markets

30 Apr 2023

Over the past decade, the global cherry industry has seen a steady increase in areas, production yields, production and international trade. The leading countries are Turkey, Chile, China and the United States.

Chilean cherries: genetic and commercial novelties at ExpoCerezos 2024

Events

25 Sep 2024

September 12th, ANA Chile® held the fifth edition of ExpoCerezos 2024, where participants were able to learn about the advances in technical knowledge of new cherry varieties that are already in the commercial phase in Chile, in order to achieve the best fruit potential.

In evidenza

The importance of rootstock and fertilization in Summit cherries quality

Tech management

21 Nov 2024

A Chinese study analyzed the effects of five different rootstocks on Summit sweet cherry cultivar during the fruit veraison phase with or without nitrogen-free nutrient fertilizers. The five rootstocks tested were: Mahaleb, Gisela 5, and three hybrid selections H11, H17, and H22.

Colour and ripeness of cherries: decisive factors for export quality

Quality

21 Nov 2024

Given its direct influence on other indices such as flavor and firmness, this time we will analyze color, from the perspective of homogenization in the final product, the high percentage of light-colored fruit, and the high percentage of dark-colored fruit.

Tag Popolari