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
18 Jun 2025
A Turkish study confirms Levante as a sustainable biostimulant alternative to hydrogen cyanamide, improving bud break and fruit set in Royal Tioga® cherry trees, especially in Mediterranean regions with insufficient chill accumulation during winter.
29 May 2025
A Spanish study shows that applying natural salicylates to cherry trees during fruit development improves quality, enhances antioxidants, and extends shelf life—offering an effective postharvest solution for health-conscious consumers and commercial producers alike.
18 Sep 2025
A recent study in Poland confirms the effectiveness of 1-MCP in extending sweet cherry shelf life. The treatment reduces weight loss and preserves visual and nutritional quality. Promising results for Kordia and Regina varieties after 21 days in cold storage.
18 Sep 2025
New research shows that cherries, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, can lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Including them daily supports cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation and overall wellbeing.
