Slow progress for cherries in Peru. The problem? Chilling requirement

20 Oct 2023
2913

Gerd Burmester, an agribusiness expert in Peru, recently investigated the development of cherry cultivation in the South American country. The results of his research reveal a current situation in which Peru is cautiously exploring the possibility of growing cherry trees, but faces significant challenges along the way.

Let us start with the main challenge: the hours of cold weather required for the proper development of cherry trees. This species requires an amount of cold during the winter period, with temperatures dropping below 7-8 degrees Celsius, but this requirement is not easily met on the Peruvian coast.

Despite some attempts at cultivation in around 10-15 farms, the results have not been satisfying, with seedlings reaching the flowering stage but then not producing fruit.

The main question that arises is whether the potential for cherry cultivation in Peru lies in the highlands. Gerd Burmester acknowledges that the highlands offer suitable temperatures, but points out that there are additional challenges.

Altitude and high radiation play a positive role, but frost is a significant obstacle. In some regions, such as the pampas of Junín, frosts can severely damage the plants, compromising production.

Read the full article: PortalFrutícola.com

Image: Simon Berger from Pexels


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

How to reduce cherry dehydration by 80% in pre-cooling chambers

Post-harvest​

10 Dec 2025

A high-pressure humidification system reduces cherry dehydration by up to 80% during cold storage in raw material rooms. This solution ensures consistent fruit quality even in peak harvest periods, making it essential for postharvest management and fruit export in Italy.

Identification of PavUGT48, an enzyme involved in sweet cherry coloration and quality

Breeding

21 Oct 2025

Chinese researchers have identified PavUGT48, a gene in sweet cherry that enhances fruit color and quality. The enzyme acts on anthocyanins and amygdalin, paving the way for genetic selection and nutraceutical optimization in commercial cherry varieties.

In evidenza

Measuring rather than estimating: what artificial intelligence can and cannot do in the cherry sector

Tech management

11 Sep 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming fruit growing in Chile: computer vision, machine learning and data help measure quality, yields and waste, reduce errors and improve decisions from the orchard to packing lines and export markets, including cherries and other fruit crops.

First report of pomes virus Greece in Italian sweet cherry

Breeding

11 Sep 2026

In Apulia, HTS identified Pomes virus Greece (PVGR) in sweet cherry for the first time in Italy. The virus was detected in 8.7% of the samples analysed, while one case of Cherry green ring mottle virus also marks the first regional report of CGRMV in southern Italy.

Tag Popolari