Innovative greenhouse technology boosts cherry yield in Yantai (China)

22 Mar 2024
1463

"The cherry blossoms are all in full bloom with the arrival of spring and we really expect to harvest a bumper crop this year. In the village of Shanzhaolijia in Yantai, in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, a group of cherry tree growers are at work in their greenhouses.

Wang Weizhi, owner of 12 high-end greenhouses, said that cherry cultivation has led to a significant increase in income for local farmers. They once harvested large cherries with a diameter of over 32 mm and sold them at the high price of 220 yuan ($30.58) per pound.

Asked about the secrets of success, Wang said that the farmers use advanced technology to strictly control the temperature, humidity and light in the greenhouses.

"We have provided the cherry trees with the most favourable growing environment," Wang said. "We keep the temperature difference at 13°C to make the cherries sweeter. The sugar content of our products is generally around 24-25%, with a maximum of 29%."

Wang said that all fertilisers used are organic and of high quality, so the cherries taste great and are nutritionally complete.

Greenhouses can be subdivided into 'cold greenhouses' and 'warm greenhouses' according to their different location and the natural light received. Cherries grown in 'hot greenhouses' will be available for sale in early April, while the ripening time of cherries in 'cold greenhouses' can be artificially adjusted according to actual market demand.

Wang has recently introduced a new form of cherry tree called 'one stick' in its greenhouses. Equipped with short fruiting branches, these trees can enter a highly productive period earlier than normal ones, without the quality of their fruit being affected.

Embarking on a new path of rural revitalisation, Wang Weizhi and other local fruit growers are keen to further expand the cultivation scale and improve the quality of their produce, as well as increase their brand awareness.

Source: Shangdong China Daily
Image: Growing Fruit


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Controlling CO₂ concentration improves post-harvest product preservation

Post-harvest​

09 Jan 2025

Paclife has developed an innovative packaging technology using zeolites, a microporous mineral with remarkable capacity to regulate oxidation by adsorbing gases and moisture. This approach contributes to create a controlled atmosphere.

Northwest cherries: increasing volumes in Washington

Production

19 Jun 2024

"Growers are describing the 2024 Northwest crop as a perfectly average crop of excellent quality cherries," said B.J. Thurlby, president of the Northwest Cherry Growers. Along with the warm weather, volumes are also increasing.

In evidenza

New Picota cherries from Spain: less pit, more quality and stem-free harvest

Breeding

17 Sep 2025

In Spain’s Jerte Valley, new Picota cherry cultivars enhance fruit quality, reduce pit size, and support stem-free harvesting. A recent study identifies four promising genotypes with commercial size, shelf-life resistance, and post-harvest performance in MAP.

Results of Armonigro treatments on cherry and nectarine trees in Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Tech management

17 Sep 2025

Field trials tested Armonigro on Brooks and Santina cherry trees and May Glo nectarines in Chile’s Aconcagua Valley. The treatments aimed to improve yield and fruit size under adverse climatic conditions, including low chill hours and irregular bud development.

Tag Popolari