Emerging agronomic and commercial problems and needs in cherry cultivation in Turkiye

20 May 2024
2497

Cherry Times is pleased to publish an extract of the reports presented at the International Congress "Which biosolutions for quality cherries?" at Macfrut 2024.

Turkey is the biggest country in the World for cherry production. Main variety grown in Turkey is a variety named 0900 Ziraat. Alara is the biggest cherry grower in Turkey with 220 ha of cherry orchard located in 3 different areas for  Early to Late production out of peak season.

As a cherry producer Alara started to face with different dynamics those are emerging since last 10 years time and threatening the future of the business. Actions for sustainable production are becoming more and more important and necessary. The facts those are potentially making an   impact for both ways on production can be summarized as follows:

  • Climate
  • Water
  • Soil Structure
  • Solar Radiation
  • Biopesticides (Leaf Roller, Red Mite, Monilia, Capnodis)
  • Energy

Climate related risks are minimised by using agricultural Technologies and tools. Wind machines, candles, hail cannons, hail nets are some of those used effectively in Turkey. Using water efficiently is very important as water sources are becoming unstable every year because of the negative  impacts of global warming.

For providing efficient water use, a technology named Smartmoles is becoming widely used in Türkiye which operates with artificial intelligence and manages the irrigation system. Other important point is to improve soil structure which will potentially bring minimized chemical fertilizer use improved yield and quality as well as improved microbial activity, flora and fauna.

Leaf and fruit burn due to solar radiation is observed to a certain level but practices like shading and kaolin treatments are helping to minimize potential adverse effects. However vegetative growth improvement and limited generative growth is obsereved as an output of that practices.Increased trend of solar radiation measured since last couple of year.

Biopesticide use is also a fact that helps creating sustainable production as well as producing food safe product. For these targets biopasticides and traps are started to use in cherry production in Türkiye. Green energy use on production is important for creating a velue for minimizing global warming and Alara is using Solar panels and responding the energy needs of the farming operation.

Commercial and production figures are given during the technical meeting and available on the presentation shared. Studies for biosolutions for creating a sustainable production is keep moving in Turkey and Turkey is open to cooperate with related parties.

To download the report's PDF click here

Belit Balcı
Alara Tarim A.S, Bursa, Türkiye


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Controlled atmosphere in Chilean cherries: effects on quality and post-harvest damage

Post-harvest​

06 Jan 2026

The high production of cherries in Chile requires new storage strategies. A study evaluates the use of controlled atmosphere on different varieties, analysing the impact on quality, physiological disorders and post-harvest damage while awaiting the packaging process.

Major cherry tree diseases and their sustainable management

Tech management

11 Jul 2023

The nutritive value of fruits is directly related to their quality, which can be compromised by numerous adversities both in the field and postharvest. Various fungi and bacteria can cause disease on cherry trees.

In evidenza

Strigolactones against gray mold: a new promising strategy to protect cherries during postharvest

Crop protection

04 Sep 2026

Strigolactones strengthen postharvest defenses in sweet cherries against Botrytis cinerea. Research on the Xianfeng cultivar shows that 0.1 μM reduces gray mold, lesion development and fungal biomass by activating phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and defense proteins.

How to prevent or minimise cold damage to cherry trees. Advice from an expert

Tech management

04 Sep 2026

Managing frost damage in cherry trees requires action from dormancy breaking through vegetative growth. Preventing ice nucleation, protecting cell membranes, and controlling Pseudomonas and bacterial canker can help preserve orchard health, resilience, and productivity.

Tag Popolari