An insight into Regina's challenges according to Juan Pablo Zoffoli

25 Sep 2023
2603

The article-interview deals mainly with the problems related to the poscosecha (post-harvest) of cherries, particularly the Regina variety, in the context of the Chilean cherry industry.

The interviewee, Juan Pablo Zoffoli, an expert in poscosecha and academic at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, identifies the main problem with poscosecha as the 'internal pardeamiento' of Regina, which negatively affects the flavour and quality of the cherries. This is a critical problem because Regina is an important variety for Chilean cherry production.

Zoffoli explains that internal pardeamiento is due to the senescence of the fruit and its degree of ripeness at harvest time. Therefore, he emphasises the importance of managing fruit maturity during the growing process to avoid this problem. Furthermore, he talks about the problems related to the size of the cherry, emphasising that larger calibre cherries tend to resist mechanical damage better.

He also mentions the problem of 'piel de lagarto' (lizard skin), which affects the appearance of cherries without affecting their flavour or flesh, but can make the fruit less attractive to consumers.

Finally, Zoffoli discusses the challenges of climate change, pointing out that rain during the harvest season is particularly problematic as it can cause micro-fractures in the fruit that negatively affect the poscosecha. He proposes the use of plastic covers and fungicide treatments to mitigate the effects of rain.

In summary, the interview focuses on specific problems related to cherry poscosecha, such as browning and shriveling, and discusses the climatic challenges faced by the Chilean cherry industry.

Read the full article: RedagrÍcola


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sour cherry in Moldova: between risks and opportunities

Markets

12 Jun 2024

One of the most important crops in Moldova is the sour cherry. The Moldovan Academy of Economic Studies conducted an analysis of sour cherry production in Moldova including the current status, development trends and international competitiveness in the global market.

How consumers choose cherries: a research in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina

Consumption

09 Jun 2023

Recent research published by the Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences looked at consumer attitudes in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the appearance and taste of cherries. The online survey was conducted with 402 respondents.

In evidenza

Salinity stress in Gisela 5 rootstock: physiological and biochemical responses reveal the limits of tolerance

Rootstocks

25 Jun 2026

The study on Gisela 5 rootstock examines how salinity affects cherry growth, chlorophyll, ion balance and antioxidant defenses, highlighting sodium buildup, biomass loss and the rootstock’s limited tolerance to salt stress under in vitro conditions, after four weeks.

"We can’t store them": 2,000 French producers urge consumers to eat the cherries

Consumption

25 Jun 2026

France expects more than 30,000 tonnes of cherries this year, around one third above average. Growers are urging consumers to buy more, while hand picking, short shelf life, pest pressure and rising orchard costs keep retail prices between €5 and €8 per kilo in June.

Tag Popolari