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
16 May 2023
As part of the European Breeding Value project, CNR-IBE conducted a multilingual survey of over 900 European consumers to understand their liking of the fruit. The cherry achieved excellent results and was confirmed as one of the most popular fruits.
11 Dec 2024
Rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, cherries are renowned for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown their ability to reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
31 Jul 2026
An open-source, low-cost dendrometer system tracks trunk growth, water stress and irrigation needs in apple, sour cherry and peach orchards. Built on Arduino, it supports precise, sustainable water management and makes plant monitoring more accessible at commercial scale.
31 Jul 2026
Poland’s cherry season is delivering barely 50% of the 2025 record crop. Frost, drought, extreme heat and heavy imports are squeezing prices and sales, while growers rely on cold storage, premium quality and pick-your-own events to protect margins in a brutal market.
