Mundoagro's course on cherry tree management and physiology concluded with an analysis of variety and fertilisation

Professor Walter Masman concluded the Mundoagro Capacita course on "Cherry Management and Physiology," emphasizing current developments in the use of cover crops, fertilization, irrigation, and new cherry varieties.

The fourth and fifth lectures, given by the technical consultant specializing in cherries and stone fruits, addressed aspects such as the significant increase in the use of mulching. "Years ago, the hedge was only intended to protect against rain. Today, to a lesser extent, this goal is still pursued, but also to manage the physiology of the tree, particularly by managing harvests and with a number of other implications," Masman indicated.

According to the consultant, cherry production has undergone enormous evolution in a short period of time, with great diversification and innovations not seen in other more traditional crops.

"The most powerful innovation is the use of macro tunnels, a structure that undoubtedly involves very high costs. Another issue is the use of nets, which tend to have other side effects from the standpoint of tree physiology, particularly associated with wind. However, in many areas, it is also associated with the issue of birds, physiological changes, and early flowering, which undoubtedly also brings forward the harvests," added the consultant.

In each case, it depends on its installation, the area where it is located, and the needs from the standpoint of the producer and their crop. In this regard, Masman said, the latest innovation has been perimeter roofs, which generate a more powerful effect, with higher temperatures, and require different management on longer working days due to the necessary maintenance, especially in terms of ventilation.

"The results are extremely interesting in terms of advancing the harvests."

Regarding irrigation, the professor said it is often said that irrigating with cover crops involves more expenses, but in his opinion, "there are significant or relevant savings, clearly associated with the degree of well-being of the plants at the moment, always understanding that this will depend on the type of soil, the variety, and the rootstock it may have, but it can be understood that there are indeed savings."

Fertilization and irrigation

Regarding fertilization, Masman emphasized that calcium fertilization carried out with foliar applications does not have such significant repercussions. "Applications through irrigation are more efficient, often early, practically from full flowering onwards, literally before the start of vegetative growth. The mobilization of calcium occurs kinetically, and the shoot is always the main transporter of calcium to the detriment of the fruit," he stated.

Analyzing the use of potassium and continuing what was already said in his lecture on rootstocks, Masman stated that practically 41% of the planted area in Chile uses the Colt rootstock. "And this rootstock has a significant limitation: it is always a poor assimilator of potassium. Normally, the deficiency is present both in the fruits and at the leaf level," added the consultant.

Regarding the irrigation of cherries, Masman emphasized that there can be different approaches, depending on factors such as soil type, location, temperature, evapotranspiration, rootstock type, making it difficult to define the right way to approach irrigation. "I believe that what we have done and the ability to understand how to irrigate are heading in the right direction. The incidence of climate change presents different challenges for us to overcome each year," he added.

"For example, it is very likely that today the soils are absolutely at field capacity. Being able to determine my field capacity is an important factor. It is very different to start a season with dry soil compared to soil at field capacity. Therefore, if I have oxygenated soils at precise moisture levels, field capacity, 50% oxygen, and 50% water, a relevant level of cold, and all favorable scenarios, we can say that we start on the right foot, as long as no abnormal and negative springs occur," said Masman.

For this reason, he added, it is always essential to maintain oxygenation and water levels so that the root system can develop to its full potential.

"In the end, with this type of precipitation, covering 100% of the surface, roots often grow everywhere, and the idea is to encourage root development with a volume of water that can meet these needs." A relevant issue today is the use of sensors that can help us correct our soil perception and differentiate when I need to replenish certain moisture levels," added the consultant.

New varieties

Regarding the current scenario of cherry varieties in Chile, Masman emphasized that analyzing the harvested volume in the 2022/23 season, week by week, the leading variety is Santina, followed by Brooks, then Royal Down, and Lapins, which is the main variety in Chile and occupies the widest marketing window, followed by Kordia, which occupies a growing niche in terms of volume. Next are Regina, Sweet Heart, Skeena, Rainier, with a very low volume, Frisco, and finally Bing.

Regarding the analysis of all varieties, Masman indicated that at some point, practically all varieties between Royal Down, Santina, and Lapins are particularly associated with the different agro-climatic zones where they are planted.

"In terms of volumes, there is fierce competition, where quality stands out, as we have always said. Therefore, analyzing the new varieties from a varietal perspective, the opportunities are probably in those places where the supply is low," added Masman.

Regarding current demands, the professor indicated that they are based on a good appearance of the product and good internal qualities. "The fruit must be firm, mahogany red in color, ideally with a predominance of this color because this is the color consumers need and demand today. Ideally without mechanical damage, smooth skin, no rot. Pedicels ideally green, good taste in terms of sweet-acid balance, homogeneous pulp color."

Regarding genetic programs, a significant number of varieties are available in Chile. "Therefore, the genetic program offerings we are beginning to have are very powerful. And I would like to highlight what the Biofrutales program is doing today, which is probably the most advanced in terms of genetic offerings, perhaps with some very significant advancements."

"Personally, I believe there are varieties that could soon make their commercial debut with rather interesting characteristics," said Masman.

Regarding new cherry varieties in Chile, the consultant highlighted that there are practically 60 new varieties available in the market. "If we look at the varietal matrix, it seems we have covered all the gaps in terms of the planting and harvesting window, leaving some gaps only in certain marketing windows in which we have to work a little more," he concluded.

Among the things discussed with producers in terms of varietal replacement is the relationship between what is expected from the company and, on the other hand, the customer's needs. For example, reducing production costs and increasing profitability. That is, continuously improving the product level and seeking better production characteristics in line with the market.

"Personally, I believe that within the wide range of genetic programs, vigor is a component or a common denominator of many programs."

"The relationship that exists between the variety and the rootstock is fundamental because if I have a variety with naturally vigorous characteristics, the rootstock cannot exacerbate them further. Therefore, it is essential to have preliminary knowledge, visit trial orchards to make the decision, and also consider aspects such as the speed of entry into production," indicates Masman.

Pollination and Sizing Strategies

The cherry course was sponsored by MBL, Kimitec, Koppert, Corteva, and UPL. During the final sessions, Paulina Bermúdez, Business Development Manager of Koppert Chile, gave a presentation on "Pollination in Covered Cherry Orchards," and María Fernanda Illanes, Crop Leader of Fruit Trees at UPL Chile, on the "Strategy for Achieving the Desired Size."

The representative from Koppert Chile, a Dutch company that is a world leader in biological control and pollination, explained how pollination occurs in cherry crops under different types of canopies.

After many years of research, Koppert developed a patented hive called Natupol Booster, specifically designed for short-flowering crops like cherries. "It comes in a laminated cardboard box with several bumblebee colonies, including one or more queens, workers, and a bag of sugar solution. And it has been very successful due to the results we have obtained," said Paulina Bermúdez.

For her part, the representative from UPL Chile, María Fernanda Illanes, based her presentation on the development of a strategy they have been working on for some time, incorporating new tools validated by various researchers.

"The strategy starts with three applications during the fruit growth period, mainly during cell division. The first application is done with Biozyme TF, a biostimulant with tri-hormonal equivalent action, aiming to increase the size, yield, and quality of the fruits."

"Then, between 10 and 14 days after the first full bloom application, I apply Dropper 5%, a synthetic hormone which is a cytokinin, specifically to stimulate cell division, aiming to increase and uniform the sizes," indicated Illanes. "Seven days after the last application, the balance is restored with an application of Biozyme TF and then, when the cells start to elongate, Biofrut, a product composed of natural gibberellins, is applied," concluded the UPL representative.

Source: Mundoagro
Image: Mundoagro

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