A brand new type of cherry, known as Selection 21 or S-21, has been officially presented to the public as a highly promising prospect developed by the Agricultural Research Institute of Chile (INIA) and the biotechnology coalition BioFrutales under the Cherry Genetic Improvement Program.
S-21 represents the very first cherry variant created exclusively in Chile and was designed by placing special emphasis on early ripening and extended postharvest duration, aiming to ensure a smooth export process to China, which is the main destination for cherries from Chile. Efforts have also been devoted to size, establishing a minimum requirement of 28 millimeters, as well as a rich taste and high yield, no less than 18 tons per hectare, as indicated by BioFrutales director Rodrigo Cruzat.
Over the past 14 years, BioFrutales has analyzed as many as 50,000 distinct cherry trees in its experimental fields in the Coquimbo and O'Higgins regions. About 40 of them made it to the intermediate selection stage, but only seven were selected for the final stage. With the unanimous approval of INIA's Regional Committee for the Introduction of New Varieties, S-21 will move on to the registration process with the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service, preparing to become a commercial variety next year. Official planting is scheduled for 2025.
S-21 received approval in Chile's central Coquimbo region due to its ability to withstand high temperatures during the winter months. Its suitability has also been verified in south-central Chile, demonstrating growth potential in the Valparaiso, O'Higgins and Maule regions.
Read the full article: Produce Report
Image: Asiafruit
09 Aug 2024
Data from one study show that the fruit set percentage of the artificially pollinated flowers was only 1.1 per cent, compared to 15.4 per cent for the freely pollinated flowers. Furthermore, cherries from the freely pollinated flowers showed superior quality attributes.
04 Mar 2025
For the first time, Rhizobium rhizogenes has been identified as a pathogenic agent of crown gall in Chile. Crown gall is a disease causing tumorous deformations in plant tissues and significant economic losses, particularly in nurseries.
01 May 2026
Sweet cherry cracking significantly impacts yield and market quality. Research highlights the key role of pectins and calcium in cell adhesion and tissue stability, offering valuable insights to reduce fruit splitting and improve orchard management strategies.
01 May 2026
Fruit cracking in cherry trees in India can cause losses of up to 85%, affecting quality and market value. This article examines physiological and environmental causes and highlights effective strategies, from irrigation to nutrient management, to reduce damage.
