Premium cherries: strategies to optimise quality

24 Sep 2024
636

The increase in cherry production in recent decades has been notable for its transition towards the production of premium quality fruit. This phenomenon has not only caught the attention of international markets but has also positioned Chile as an indisputable leader for the export of fruit with high quality standards, mostly destined for the Asian market.

From 3,200 to 63,500 hectares under cherry cultivation in only 24 years, the Chilean cherry sector has indeed shown explosive growth. This expansion reflects an industry seeking to maximise its potential, while also exploiting the opportunities offered by the global market. This has led Chile to produce 96% of the cherries in the Southern Hemisphere, leaving only 4% to countries such as Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Premium cherries are recognisable because they have a well-defined quality standard: size above 26 mm and hardness above 35 Durofel units are prerequisites. In addition, the levels of nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium in the plant tissue must remain within a range defined as optimal (P: 0.12-0.25%; K: 1.5-3%; Ca:1.8-3%) to ensure superior fruit quality throughout the season.

Premium cherries must also have minimal levels of external and quality defects. This involves keeping the levels of rot and external damage below certain thresholds, thus ensuring a long shelf life and attractive appearance for the end consumer. The words of agronomist Ricardo Miño guide us through the challenges and possible strategies of this sector, trying to achieve the perfect ‘recipe’ for superior quality production.

Undoubtedly, weather conditions are of unquestionable importance as they are mainly responsible for the quantity produced but also the quality of the fruit. Variations in the cooling degrees hours pattern and unstable spring conditions risk reducing production every year, but despite this, cherry production has proved to be resilient. But that's not all: the market has also been resilient and thanks to constant demand has always absorbed all available production.

What are the next steps?

  • To make each producer aware of the unitary costs (per kilo of cherries produced), so that they can set up their cherry orchard management as efficiently as possible.
  • Base fertilisation programmes on the results of fruit analyses and the specific needs of each orchard.
  • Manage the irrigation supply to avoid water stress.
  • Regulate the fruit load through pruning aimed at renewing lateral branches, removing old wood and stimulating the growth of new shoots.
  • Employ preventive and curative programmes against the main crop adversities.
  • Use growth regulators to improve fruit quality.

Optimising cherry production for premium quality requires integral dedication that considers all aspects of field management, from pruning and nutrition to irrigation and pest control. Only with meticulous attention to these details growers can meet the high expectations of the international market and maximise profitability.

Source: Cherry Magazine
Image: SL Fruit Service

Melissa Venturi
Universiy of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Chilean cherry in China: 140 to 400 pallets per day by air freight

Markets

12 Dec 2024

Julio Ruiz-Tagle, Head of Asia and the Americas at D-Quality Survey, pointed out that the Chilean cherry market in China has shown dynamic behaviour in recent days, influenced by both the steady volume of arrivals and the weather conditions.

Little Cherry Disease: winning strategies to save cherry trees

Crop protection

20 Mar 2025

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards, causing small, unsaleable fruit. Learn how to recognise it, remove diseased trees and control vectors to protect the crop and keep production healthy and profitable. Practical strategies and up-to-date advice.

In evidenza

Innovative solutions against Drosophila Suzukii in France: conference in May

Crop protection

27 Mar 2025

The April issue of PHYTOMA magazine explores solutions to combat Drosophila suzukii, the fly that damages cherries. Learn about proven control strategies, including anti-insect nets and the use of sterile insects. Updates on 22 May in Balandran.

Extra early cherries in Spain, the breakthrough of Royal Tioga

Varieties

27 Mar 2025

Discover how Royal Tioga cherries are revolutionizing early-season fruit production in Murcia, Spain, with low chill requirements, high yield potential, and premium quality — attracting international interest.

Tag Popolari