A brochure dedicated to the genetic improvement of cherries has just been published by INIA Chile, authored by José Manuel Donoso, a researcher at INIA Rayentué. “The sweet cherry is one of the most popular temperate fruit trees worldwide, despite its high price in many countries, especially when supply is limited at the beginning of the season,” Donoso explains.
“The fruits of this species have an attractive appearance, their texture and sweet taste are highly appreciated by consumers.”
“However, the genetic improvement of this species has been slow worldwide, unlike other fruit trees such as peaches and apples, mainly due to the large size of the tree and the long unproductive period between seed collection and the plant's ability to consistently produce flowers and fruits.”
To download the publication (in Spanish) click here
Image: FMF
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Regina cherries for export to China need targeted postharvest treatments to retain premium quality. This Chilean study explores the use of natural elicitors to reduce internal browning and improve firmness and flavor throughout cold storage and long-distance transport.
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Despite a slight 1% drop in shipments compared to the previous year, over 413,000 tonnes of cherries were shipped worldwide. The Far East was confirmed as the main destination, with China taking 97% of the total.
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A genomic study identifies 17 HSP70 and HSP90 genes in sweet cherry and explains how they respond to heat and salinity. The results highlight key genes, including PavHSP90-5, that could support breeding of cultivars with resilience to climatic and environmental stress.
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A study in southern Chile shows how mineral nutrition, especially the balance between nitrogen and phosphorus, may influence internal browning in Regina sweet cherries, postharvest quality and the fruit’s ability to withstand long storage periods for export markets.
