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.
Growing difficulties have forced growers to eliminate hectares of cherry orchards. This decision was mediated by climate concerns and competition from imports, which decreased - and in some cases eliminated - the profits of cherry growers.
Cheery Glow, Bloom Fresh’s early cherry, is expanding in Chile with 200 hectares. Low chill requirement, high quality and up to 60 days storage make it ideal for export to China, Europe and the United States, helping growers face climate challenges and competitive global markets.
A study on cherry germplasm in Hungary analyzes SSR markers BPPCT034 and CPSCT038 linked to fruit size, highlighting new opportunities for marker-assisted selection and genetic improvement of sweet and sour cherry in modern breeding programs across Hungary today in EU.
With compressed prices and record volumes, cherry profitability in Chile increasingly depends on phenology, BBCH monitoring, leaf wetness and risk management. A data-driven approach helps growers protect fruit quality, exportable yield, margins and market competitiveness.