For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host during the WS cherry tree Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the person in charge of the main genetic improvement project on the cherry tree, started in 2010 and carried out in the largest cherry exporting country in the world, as well as the third largest cherry producer in the world and, so far at least, among the first importers of technological and varietal innovations.
Thanks to PMGC, the breeding programme supported by ASOEX - Consorcio Tecnologico de la Fruta and CORFO, a group of Chilean fruit producers and exporters, by 2030 Chile will be able to grow its own varieties and, probably, start exporting not only cherries but also new plant patents!
Below is the video of the report presented at Macfrut 2023.
After the ‘S-21’ cherry was approved in October 2023 in the regional instances, the National Committee of Varieties of INIA decided to approve the so-called ‘Selection 21’ to have the first 100% Chilean cherry to be marketed internationally.
After five bad winters, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said it announced a historic $70 million investment in March to help farmers by replacing damaged crops by replanting more climate-resistant varieties.
The study compares MAP and controlled atmosphere storage for Rainier, Bing, Skeena and Sweetheart sweet cherries, assessing firmness, stem quality, weight loss and postharvest disorders to identify effective strategies for maintaining fruit quality for long-term storage.
Effective sweet cherry postharvest management protects the canopy, reduces heat stress and restores tree reserves. Balanced irrigation, selective summer pruning and targeted nutrition prepare trees for dormancy while supporting bloom, fruit set and next season’s crop.