Cherry farmers are planning to apply the lessons learned in 2023 as they look to the future.
According to Matt Whiting, a fruit tree expert at Washington State University, last year's management laid the groundwork for a good harvest season this year. The experience of a tough market emphasized the importance of properly managing the crop load, aiming to yield high-quality fruit.
Whiting advised farmers to view crop load management as an extended process, starting from bud formation in spring to the end of the summer harvest season, divided in a 15-month process. Along this journey, farmers have various opportunities to intervene and improve crop quality.
In spring, as trees begin to form buds for the following year's harvest, intervention is possible using gibberellic acid to inhibit excessive floral bud formation. However, this method carries risks as many variables can influence its success, such as weather and pollination conditions.
Another critical intervention point is during winter dormancy, when pruning can be done to remove excess flowering sites. This practice is effective but requires care and attention.
During flowering, farmers must assess the current fruit set and decide whether to intervene to reduce overbearing. Methods like chemical or physical thinning can be used, but it's crucial to carefully assess the starting point to avoid excessive flower removal.
After flowering, farmers can continue to manage crop load by using plant growth regulators or thinning excess fruit.
Farmers share their experiences and techniques to address the challenges of crop load management. For instance, some prefer aggressive pruning or the application of gibberellic acid to yield high-quality fruit. Others resort to physical or chemical thinning practices to manage fruit set.
In conclusion, farmers are constantly seeking ways to improve their crop load management practices to yield high-quality fruit and tackle agricultural market challenges.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Image: Good Fruit Grower
17 Dec 2024
It is important to be able to quantify or have a reference of the reserve content accumulated post-harvest. The analyses most commonly used by the industry to determine the accumulation of reserves are the arginine content in roots and the starch in darts or floral structures.
12 Aug 2025
US cherry exports to China have plunged due to trade tensions, redirecting supply to markets like Vietnam and Hong Kong. Prices have hit record lows, sales are soaring, and new trade deals are in progress, signaling a significant shift in the global cherry market landscape.
10 Feb 2026
Climate change is reducing cherry volumes in Chile, pushing growers and researchers to rethink varieties, orchard management and postharvest strategies. New predictive models aim to safeguard quality and exports to the Chinese market worldwide globally.
10 Feb 2026
Low temperature storage extends the shelf life of sweet cherries but may induce pulp lignification. A study on the Meizao cultivar examines structural, biochemical and molecular changes affecting fruit firmness, texture, quality and consumer acceptance during post-harvest storage
