Mendoza (Argentina): early start due to weather conditions

20 Oct 2023
1784

The farm Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A., based in Mendoza, started the commercial harvest of this fruit produced in Argentina yesterday, 19 October, and for the third year in a row it has succeeded in starting in week 42.

"We are starting the season with the varieties of the Royal series, which have shown excellent adaptation to be harvested in the northern area of Mendoza from week 42. This year in particular we are starting the harvest two days earlier than last season, which is the earliest in recent years," says Nicolás Güizzo, technical director of the Mendoza-based company.

Nicolás Güizzo also adds that 'Mendoza has the particularity of guaranteeing a good entry into the dormancy period with more than 400 hours of accumulated winter cold. Added to this is a good accumulation of cold hours. This allows most of the early varieties to show interesting yields with excellent quality and, above all, very early harvest dates compared to other production areas.

The farm, which has been present in Mendoza for over 40 years, specialises in the production of early varieties of cherries. These are marketed entirely by air to the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the Far East, as well as supplying the main retailers and wholesalers in the Argentinean domestic market.

Today, they manage the production of cherries on 50 hectares distributed mainly in the areas of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, located in the province of Mendoza. The most cultivated cherry varieties are Royal Dawn, Brooks, Nimba, Pacific Red, Santina and Lapins, among others.

Engineer Nicolás Güizzo adds that "in the last few years, the company has been making an important reconversion towards cultivation with new varieties of early production, with the idea of being able to anticipate the start of the harvest to the 41st week in Mendoza in a few years".

He also stated that "trials are being carried out with varieties with low winter chilling requirements in a non-traditional area for the cherry tree such as the north-west of Argentina, where we believe that in about four years we could harvest cherries during the 40th and 41st week.

"We are very focused on bringing forward the start of the harvest season to the first half of October, as the consumer markets are practically free of this seductive fruit," he concludes

Source: Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A

Images: Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Taking a look at local parasitoids that kill Drosophila suzukii in the Southeast USA

Crop protection

27 Jan 2025

Between 2021 and 2022, researchers at the University of Georgia conducted field surveys to study the North American native parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii. A total of 371 Drosophila parasitoids were collected through the deployment of sentinel traps consisting of fruit baits.

Predicting post-storage cherry quality through nutrient analysis

Post-harvest​

07 Mar 2025

A recent study showed that key parameters such as total soluble solids, firmness, and acidity could be predicted with high accuracy, allowing the supply chain to optimize management and improve final quality.

In evidenza

Colchagua beats Ovalle: ultra-early cherries kick off 2025/26 season

Production

17 Oct 2025

Chile's 2025/26 cherry season starts with a surprise: Colchagua beats Ovalle with AG2, harvested on October 13. 3J and 4J-sized cherries are already on their way to China. Meanwhile, the north kicks off its harvest with Brooks and Nimba, determined not to fall behind.

The expert informs: fertilisation and irrigation of the cherry tree. Strategies for soil, roots and fruit quality

Tech management

17 Oct 2025

Technical guide to optimize cherry yield through precise irrigation, fertilization, and soil structure management. Strategies to enhance root activity, prevent compaction, and ensure high-quality, consistent fruit production season after season with sustainable practices.

Tag Popolari