Fighting the heat in Japan: damage to 20% of production

25 Jul 2024
1939

The heat waves are damaging the cherry harvest in the northeastern prefecture of Yamagata, the main producer of this fruit in Japan. Municipalities in the prefecture are struggling to secure a sufficient number of cherries for a program that involves sending gifts to people who donate money in exchange for a tax reduction.

The prefecture of Yamagata accounts for almost 80% of the national cherry production, but it is likely that this year's harvest will be much lower than previously expected. The extremely hot climate for two consecutive summers has produced low-quality cherries that are not suitable for shipping.

According to the prefecture, as of June 26, about 76,000 gift packages of cherries were affected, accounting for nearly 20% of the total.

According to the prefecture of Yamagata, some municipalities would not have been able to ship the cherries by the expected dates, or they would have had to send a different variety or size.


To watch the video click here

Source: NHK World - Japan
Image: NHK World - Japan


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

PavHIPP genes: improving cold tolerance with genetics

Breeding

24 Mar 2025

Find out how PavHIPP genes can improve cold resistance in cherry trees, increasing production, quality and plant growth even in adverse weather conditions.

Reducing pollution thanks to sour cherry leaves

Health

19 Jan 2024

Adsorption capacities of 524.1 (mg g-1) were obtained for crystal violet and 168.6 (mg g-1) for methylene blue. These capacities significantly exceed those of other comparable adsorbents. The only disadvantage? The inability to regenerate the adsorbent.

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