Cherries are classified as highly perishable fruits, as their spoilage is caused not only by physio-chemical changes but also by micro-organisms. Species such as Monilia spp., Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum are the most significant spoilage fungi for cherries.
Currently, the use of fludioxonil (Scholar®, Syngenta) is authorised for post-harvest use but a growing body of evidence casts doubt on its classification as 'low risk' and the scientific community is calling for a re-evaluation.Consequently, possible alternative solutions are being explored.
For example, treatments with gamma irradiation on '0900 Ziraat' and with ultraviolet irradiation on 'Takdaneh Mashhad' and 'Van' prevented quality loss and improved cherry colour by stimulating anthocyanin accumulation. The application of edible coatings on 'StarKing', 'Sweetheart' and 'Railroad' proved effective in postponing accelerated respiration, weight loss and fungal decay, as well as safeguarding phytochemical compounds.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of implementing biocontrol agents in post-harvest to mitigate fungal degradation in the cherry tree has been established. Another alternative approach is passive modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP).
This method achieves high relative humidity, low oxygen concentrations and high carbon dioxide concentrations. By delaying ripening and reducing weight loss and decay, MAP operations preserved quality attributes, including composition, colour parameters, texture and sensory qualities.
The investigation of new and safe alternatives showed that the integration of biocontrol agents with passive modified atmosphere packaging is a potentially effective approach to prolong fruit quality. The objective of the study conducted by researchers from the University of Extremadura and the Science and Technology Research Centre of Extremadura (Spain) was therefore to evaluate the impact of MAP in combination with two antagonistic yeasts, Pichia kudriavzevii (PK18) and Metschnikowia pulcherrima (L672), on the shelf life of cherries.
In this study, the fruit quality, microbiological and physico-chemical analyses of the batches treated with the antagonist yeasts were compared to those of a batch without yeasts and treated with fludioxonil. The physico-chemical characteristics and atmospheric composition presented comparable values between the various samples throughout the entire refrigerated storage period, showing how MAP can represent a valid alternative to treatment with Scholar®.
For forty days, the quality of 'Burlat' cherries stored in MAP (-1.5 kPa O2,-9 kPa CO2) at 2 °C was adequately maintained. Similar results were observed when MAP was combined with the antagonistic yeasts P. kudriavzevii PK18 and M. pulcherrima L672.
This increased control of microbiological spoilage was achieved using MAP. No noteworthy changes were detected in the quality attributes of the cherries treated with these antagonistic yeasts.
The same spoilage control effect was observed during shelf-life at 25 °C for two days; therefore, under conditions of high temperature and aerobic atmosphere, biocontrol agents can further extend the shelf life of cherries packed under modified atmosphere conditions.
Source: Cabañas C. M., Hernández A., Serradilla M. J., Moraga C., Martín A., de Guía Córdoba M., and Ruiz-Moyanoa S., Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture, 2023. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jsfa.12532
Image: Springer Link
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)
20 Oct 2025
Chile’s 2025 cherry season begins in Norte Chico with Nimba cv, harvested in week 42. Over 80% of the fruit exceeds 28 mm. With high productivity and low chill requirement, it’s a strategic choice to enter early markets and optimize exports.
24 Apr 2024
The supplements help protect the fruit by preventing water absorption by coating the fruit with a hydrophobic layer. These supplements can also be used post-harvest to reduce doubling in the following growing season.
16 Jan 2026
B.J. Thurlby, who passed away at age 60, led the Washington State Fruit Commission for over 25 years. As a true ambassador for Northwest cherries, he championed research, exports and grower education, leaving a deep mark on the U.S. and international fruit industry.
16 Jan 2026
Frutas de Chile has revised its 2025/26 cherry export forecast down by 15% due to adverse weather, with shipments expected to reach 110 million boxes. To support sales, the Cherry Ice and Snow Festival launches in China, blending cherries, lifestyle and Lunar New Year culture.
