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.
23 fruit quality characteristics were evaluated over a period of 2-6 years. The collected germplasm was characterised by genotyping-by-sequencing. A genome-wide association study was conducted using SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) coverage collected.
One of the great advantages of this new technology is that thanks to its height (4.5 metres) it acts as a physical protection against damage caused by rain and hail, greatly reducing fruit splitting, which generates losses in the millions every year.
A study in China's Shanxi province compares 4 sweet cherry cultivars using untargeted metabolomics, revealing key differences in nutritional profile, physical traits and consumer preference. Focus on Huangmi, Tieton, Pioneer and Sunburst varieties.
Advanced harvesting, cooling and packaging methods allow Chilean cherries to maintain quality and taste for up to 35 days. Learn how refrigeration and modified atmosphere packaging help preserve freshness, color, and fruit integrity for international export.