Double fruits and deep sutures: climate change puts cherry quality at risk

21 Dec 2023
4832

The presence of double fruits and deep sutures in cherries is a serious problem for Chilean cherry cultivation, negatively affecting the quality and condition of the fruit. 

This physiopathy could become an even greater production problem in the coming years, considering that the factors that predispose to it (mainly high temperatures and water deficit situations during the cherry's flower differentiation period), are becoming more and more frequent in Chile and other cherry growing areas in the world.

The use of protective nets and the application of sunscreen seem to be the most valid tools for producers to mitigate this problem in their orchards.

In this regard, the work of Chilean researchers at the University of Concepcion is aimed at studying the environmental and physiological variables that regulate the induction of double fruit and deep sutures in cherries in order to propose new solutions to control this physiopathy, which are more effective and less costly than the means currently available.

To read and download the complete article, click here


Cherry Times -All rights reserved

What to read next

Argentina's 2025/26 cherry season at risk as Capci tones down export outlook

Markets

28 Oct 2025

Argentina’s 2025/26 cherry season begins with mixed signals. Capci warns of early fruit drop affecting export volumes. Despite good fruit quality, unstable weather and production issues may impact international shipments, pushing forecasts toward stability or slight decline.

How is the quality of cherries determined during fruit development?

Quality

24 Aug 2026

Cherry quality is determined long before harvest. Fruit development, cell number, cuticle, firmness, water status, sugars, pigmentation and ripening interact throughout growth to define fruit size, final quality and the postharvest performance of sweet cherries.

In evidenza

A difficult start to the season for Chilean cherries. An expert’s analysis

Production

12 Nov 2026

Rain, cold and low sunlight are complicating the cherry season in Chile. Walter Masman warns of risks to fruit quality and harvest. For Santina, further rain could cause losses of 15–20%: a hypothetical scenario that depends on weather forecasts over the next few weeks.

Drosophila suzukii and cherry trees: a challenge requiring prevention and prompt management

Crop protection

12 Nov 2026

Drosophila suzukii can infest healthy fruit, compromising quality and marketability. Timely treatments, monitoring, orchard sanitation and insecticide rotation help limit damage during harvest and reduce the risk of resistance. Learn when to start control measures.

Tag Popolari