S-21: new Chilean cherry variety hits the international market

21 Aug 2024
787

The genetic development by INIA Rayentué and Biofrutales, ongoing for over 15 years, has made a new advance before the National Committee for the Release of New Varieties at INIA, where Selection 21 was approved. This selection is of great interest to the Asian market as it can withstand a 35-day journey in refrigerated storage and by sea.

The first 100% Chilean cherry variety is approaching reality.

After the genetic selection of the “S-21” cherry was approved in October 2023 by the regional authorities (O'Higgins Region), and after hard work by the research team, the National Committee of Varieties at INIA decided to approve the so-called “Selection 21,” taking a new step towards becoming the first 100% Chilean cherry to be marketed nationally and internationally.

“The next step will be the start of the registration process with the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG), which is the official step required by Chilean law for a new variety,” said the director of the Cherry Breeding Program and researcher at INIA Rayentué, Dr. José Manuel Donoso.

Donoso added that this year, in 2024, “we will be able to see the results of the trials we have in different areas, which are part of the final evaluation phase before going to market. These experiences are crucial for fruit growers to understand their qualities and reduce the risk of investing in varieties that have not been sufficiently tested.”

A significant factor for the national cherry industry is the post-harvest life of a variety that, according to reports, has the characteristics to travel for 35 days in refrigerated storage and be shipped, arriving in optimal conditions in the Asian market, with China as the main importer.

In addition to these characteristics, the “S-21” has sizes ranging from 32 to 34 and can achieve up to 90% coverage, which promotes uniformity compared to the disadvantages of other varieties. It also has a sweet taste and is very firm to the touch according to Firmtech parameters.

This selection, the result of over 15 years of joint work between INIA and the Biofrutales Consortium, is about to be transformed into a marketable variety: according to information reported by Redagrícola, it is very similar to the Rainier variety—also bicolored—but would be much earlier in the harvest date, which would allow it to be harvested in a window that could command better prices than other varieties with these shades, which are highly appreciated in China.

Source: Readgrícola
Image: Readgrícola


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sour cherry pits to purify contaminated water

Processed

28 Jan 2025

Countries such as Serbia can successfully utilise waste by transforming it into biochar. Due to its special structure, biochar is able to adsorb and immobilise enzymes useful for the degradation of toxic substances.

New Field Day of PMG, INIA's breeding program for new Chilean varieties

Breeding Varieties

10 Nov 2023

According to Giovanni Lobos, researcher at INIA, the objective of the activity was to show the progress and status of segregants that could become possible varieties that are adapted to the climate of the Coquimbo Region or other early areas of the country.

In evidenza

Artificial intelligence improves cherry sorting: more quality and less waste

Post-harvest​

31 Mar 2025

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising cherry sorting, ensuring greater precision, reduced waste and higher quality. Find out how advanced technologies such as deep learning optimise packaging and improve productivity in the fruit and vegetable sector.

Successful Australian workshops on vigour management in the cherry tree

Press review

31 Mar 2025

Find out the results of workshops on cherry vigour management in Australia, with updates from Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and NSW. International experts and innovations to optimise cultivation. Read more about winning techniques and strategies.

Tag Popolari