The impact of climate change on cherry cultivation

03 Jan 2025
1870

At the XI National Congress on Plant Breeding, held in Cáceres (Spain) last September 2024, the impact of global warming on cherry cultivation was discussed. In particular, the results of a study that analyzed the needs of different cherry cultivars and their possible adaptation to changing environmental conditions were presented.

Global warming, which is leading to a general increase in temperatures, is also reducing the duration of winter cold, potentially putting the profitability of cherry varieties at risk in regions traditionally suitable for their cultivation. The characterization of agroclimatic requirements is becoming increasingly important in breeding programs, especially to develop new varieties with lower chilling requirements.

This allows for predicting the adaptability of varieties to future climatic conditions, guiding proper planning of new cherry orchards. To achieve this result, it is necessary to try to reduce the dormancy of the buds. It is a process of adaptation to winter cold that is simultaneously essential for flowering in the following season.

It is further divided into endodormancy, which consists of the accumulation of a certain number of cold hours, and ecodormancy, which requires the accumulation of warm hours before triggering growth in spring. These cold and heat requirements, known as agroclimatic requirements, are specific to each cherry variety. The researchers analyzed the agroclimatic requirements of eight cherry varieties, four early-flowering and four late-flowering, in Cáceres and Zaragoza, the main cherry-producing regions in Spain.

The cold was calculated in "Chill Portions" (CP) and the heat in "GDH" (Growing Degree Hours). The results showed that in Cáceres, early flowering varieties (second half of March) required less cold (42-48 CP) and heat (6,600-7,400 GDH) compared to late flowering varieties (first half of April, with values of 48-58 CP and 10,000-11,000 GDH). Both in Cáceres and Zaragoza, there has been a reduction in winter chill, more evident in the last decade, with Cáceres experiencing warmer winters compared to Zaragoza.

In Zaragoza, the studied varieties did not show adaptation problems in the projected scenarios. However, in Cáceres, the late-flowering varieties Regina and Lambert (CP ≥ 58) may encounter difficulties in meeting their chilling requirements starting from 2050. The probability of meeting the chilling requirement was calculated for each location, scenario, model, and time horizon to assess the adaptation of the varieties to future conditions. Based on all the parameters considered, an index was obtained to express the probability of meeting the chilling requirement in the different varieties under examination.

Values of 0.9 indicate that the cold requirement would not be met once every ten years, representing a significant risk for a cherry orchard. Therefore, values below 0.9 indicate adaptation problems.

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding the agroclimatic needs of cherry varieties in the context of climate change. As global warming continues to influence temperature patterns, the selection of varieties suitable for local conditions will be crucial for the success of cherry cultivation.

Source: Santolaria, N., Castel, L., Rodrigo, J., & Fadón, E. (2024). Impacto del calentamiento global en el cultivo y la mejora del cerezo: necesidades agroclimáticas y adaptación a las nuevas condiciones. En: López, M., Guerra, M.E., Ramos, M. & Galán, A.J. (eds.) (2024). XI Congreso Nacional de Mejora Genética de Plantas: Libro de resúmenes. (pp. 128). SECH.
Images: SL Fruit Service

Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Interspecific hybrids – as new sources for sweet and sour cherry breeding

Breeding

11 Dec 2023

At Dresden-Pillnitz interspecific crosses and backcrosses have been carried out over the last 20 years. The aims of this breeding program are to develop genotypes with new fruit characteristics and a higher level of resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.

Australia closes season, exports grow to 4,097t

Markets

29 Mar 2024

According to data from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, around 20,000 tonnes of cherries are produced annually in Australia for a value of around €129 million. The '23-'24 season saw 4,097 tonnes exported. The growth was 43%.

In evidenza

Vignola bets on under-50 farmers to save the future of its cherry heritage and traditions

Specialties

02 Oct 2025

In Vignola, cherries are more than fruit: they represent culture, tradition, and local identity. Yet the lack of generational turnover puts their future at risk. Under-50 farmers launch a project to revive the cherry supply chain, involve young people, and boost tourism.

Unpicked cherries and rising prices: the cost of Trump’s immigration policies

Production

02 Oct 2025

In the US, cherries rot on trees as Trump’s immigration policies push 1.2 million workers out of the labor force, cut farm jobs by 6.5%, and drive food prices up—vegetables +8%, meat +7%. A deepening crisis is hitting both farmers and consumers, exposing fragile food chains.

Tag Popolari