To prevent spoilage and preserve the quality of cherries, strict storage conditions must be implemented, independently or in combination with other post-harvest techniques. Indeed, fungal proliferation in post-harvest is a significant obstacle for the fruit industry.
Currently, fludioxonil (Scholar®, Syngenta) is authorised for use to prevent fungal spoilage during storage and transport of stone fruit. However, a growing body of evidence is questioning its classification as 'reduced risk' and the scientific community is calling for its re-evaluation.
Consequently, reducing the use of synthetically derived fungicides to control post-harvest decay is one of the issues to which attention has been increasingly turning in the last decade. A promising approach to prolong fruit quality has been identified in the study of safe alternatives such as the use of biocontrol agents and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
The objective of the study conducted by the researchers in Badajoz (Spain) was therefore to evaluate the impact of the simultaneous application of MAP and two antagonistic yeasts, Pichia kudriavzevii PK18 and Metschnikowia pulcherrima L672, on the shelf life of early “Burlat” cherries, and to see if this alternative could extend shelf-life compared to the current post-harvest treatment with fludioxonil combined with MAP
In this study, the fruit quality, microbiological and physico-chemical analyses of the batches treated with yeast antagonists were compared to those of a control batch without yeast application and a batch treated with fludioxonil (Scholar®). The main effect of MAP is to limit fruit weight loss.
In fact, the maximum drop observed during the trial was 3%. The physico-chemical characteristics of the fruit and the composition of the modified atmosphere showed comparable values between the various batches throughout the storage period at low temperatures. Interestingly, similar results to those obtained when using fludioxonil were observed when MAP was combined with the antagonistic yeasts P. kudriavzevii PK18 and M. pulcherrima L672.
The use of these yeasts induced changes in the quality parameters of the fruit, but not in negative terms: an increase in the solids content was observed. In the MAP-treated batches, a marginal reduction in volatile compounds related to fresh fruit aroma was observed, while an increase in altered fruit aromas was observed in the control batch
A consistent result with regard to spoilage control was observed throughout the shelf-life. For forty days, the quality of 'Burlat' cherries stored in MAP (-1.5 kPa O2,-9 kPa CO2) at 2°C was adequately maintained
The same spoilage control effect was observed during storage at 25°C for two days; therefore, under conditions of elevated temperature and aerobic atmosphere, the control effect exerted by yeasts on spoilage moulds is long-lasting. Combining different techniques therefore seems promising for improved and prolonged fruit storage.
Source: Cabañas, C.M., Hernández, A., Serradilla, M.J., Moraga, C., Martín, A., Córdoba, M.d.G. and Ruiz-Moyano, S. (2023), Improvement of shelf-life of cherry (Prunus avium L.) by combined application of modified-atmosphere packaging and antagonistic yeast for long-distance export. J Sci Food Agric, 103: 4592-4602. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12532.
Image: Peakfresh
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)
17 Feb 2026
In Chile, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) moves into the pilot phase to control Drosophila suzukii in cherries. Led by the Fruit Development Foundation, the project aims to reduce pests, limit pesticide use and support exports with a sustainable and targeted approach.
18 Jul 2024
Allergy to cherries can be primary or secondary. Primary cherry allergy occurs when the immune system reacts directly to the cherry protein itself. Secondary cherry allergy, on the other hand, is a phenomenon of cross-reactivity.
17 Aug 2026
Winter cherry tree pruning regulates crop load, renews fruiting wood and improves fruit size and quality. Key techniques include bud fertility assessment, branch renewal, training system management and pruning-cut protection to maintain productive, balanced and healthy trees.
17 Aug 2026
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.
