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.
Chile’s cherry season is set to be challenging as rain, humidity and temperature shifts favor Botrytis, Alternaria and other pathogens. Check Fast Cherry enables rapid infection monitoring, helping growers protect fruit quality, yields, harvest and postharvest performance.
Producers have several management strategies at their disposal to increase the final size of the fruit, including fruit load regulation, proper irrigation and fertilisation management, and the application of biostimulants and growth regulators.
A study conducted in Kashmir, India, defines an extended BBCH scale for five sweet cherry cultivars. The 50 phenological stages described support more precise orchard management, from flowering and ripening to crop protection and climate monitoring across seasons now.
In Aargau, Switzerland, an agri-photovoltaic system covers more than one hectare of cherry trees, combining power generation, rain protection and shading. Research is assessing its effects on yield, water management, soil conditions, disease pressure and fruit quality.