Over the past two decades, exports of fresh cherries have grown rapidly, reaching 415,398 tonnes in the 2022-2023 season, with the Far East as the main destination, accounting for 92% of total exports (source: iQonsulting, 2023).
This increase is mainly due to the expansion of new orchards and better yields in existing orchards, especially for varieties such as Lapins and Santina. However, this growth can often compromise fruit quality, especially fruit size, which is a crucial factor in determining price and yield for growers.
To remain a leader in the industry, it is crucial to look for ways to improve the quality of the fruit demanded by the target markets. Growers have several management strategies to increase fruit size, including adjusting fruit load (through early bud or flower thinning), proper irrigation and fertilisation management, and the use of biostimulants and growth regulators during fruit development.
To better understand how these strategies work, it is important to understand the growth curve of the fruit. The cherry has a double sigmoid growth curve divided into three phases. The first phase is characterised by active cell division of the mesocarp (fruit flesh) and significantly influences the potential size of the fruit.
The second phase involves a slower growth of the mesocarp, while the third phase is characterised by the elongation of the cells of the mesocarp due to water supply, which makes proper irrigation management important.
Changes in fruit size are influenced by phytohormones, the concentration of which varies during development. For example, in the early stage, there are high levels of growth-related phytohormones such as auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins, while in the later stage, there is an increase in gibberellins and abscisic acid, which regulates ripening.
Fig.1: Dinamica di crescita e concentrazione di fitormoni durante lo sviluppo dei frutti.
Read the full article: Mundoagro
Images: Mundoagro
02 Jan 2024
Researchers at Michigan State University (USA) provide a comprehensive analysis of the flower development of sour cherries. Numerous transcriptional studies have shown that the regulation of flower initiation in rosaceous species is significantly influenced by hormonal balance.
08 Jan 2025
The surface pitting damage is caused by mechanical damage before and after harvest. The defect only manifests itself after 7-10 days of cold storage, after packing and inspection of the fruit, and has substantial economic implications.
13 Nov 2026
Rain and hail in Chile have damaged crops, while a truckers’ strike in San Antonio threatens shipments. Cherry output could reach about 115 million boxes, below the 140 million estimate. Weather and logistics are clouding the 2026-2027 season and its export outlook.
13 Nov 2026
Cherry leaf roll virus affects sweet, sour and black cherry trees. It is regulated in Canada, where symptoms may appear about five years after infection. The article outlines how it spreads and measures to prevent its introduction and contain the virus in orchards.
