Premium cherries: strategies to optimise quality

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)

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