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
27 Nov 2023
The main characteristic of this season is that the harvest is about 7-10 days later than usual. This is mainly due to unseasonal weather, with a low temperature range between day and night.
27 Jan 2026
A Liaoning University study explores selenium biofortification in 'Mei Zao' sweet cherries: improved antioxidant capacity, enhanced nutritional value, and consumer safety. An effective strategy for sustainable agriculture in northeastern China.
16 Apr 2026
Genomics is accelerating cherry breeding in Spain’s Jerte Valley: Cicytex and local cooperatives launch a 2026-2030 project to identify new varieties faster, analysing 1,000 trees and 110 cultivars in one of Europe’s leading modern cherry-growing regions.
16 Apr 2026
Cherry pruning in Moldova directly affects yield and fruit quality: summer pruning and renewal cuts improve size, productivity, and uniformity. Trials on varieties and rootstocks highlight effective strategies for managing modern intensive cherry orchards.
