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.
In the first five months of 2026, Uzbekistan exported 16.8 thousand tonnes of sweet cherries worth $36.5 million. Russia took nearly 70% of shipments, while Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan remained the other leading destinations across the Eurasian market for fresh produce.
From January to July 2025, Azerbaijan exported 16,740 tonnes of cherries, down 35% compared to the same period in 2024. Russia remains the top buyer, while imports surge with volumes from Iran, Russia, China, and the USA, marking a shift in trade dynamics for the sector.
A study in Xinjiang, China, compares five sweet cherry rootstocks under salt stress. Mahaleb CDR-1 and Daqingye show the strongest tolerance, maintaining better photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense even at high NaCl concentrations in lab trials.
In Chile, El NiƱo is raising risks for cherry orchards as waterlogging can damage roots and disrupt budding and flowering, while preharvest rain may increase fruit cracking and rot. INIA Quilamapu highlights strategies to protect cherry quality, yield and postharvest life.