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
09 Jan 2025
Paclife has developed an innovative packaging technology using zeolites, a microporous mineral with remarkable capacity to regulate oxidation by adsorbing gases and moisture. This approach contributes to create a controlled atmosphere.
11 Jul 2024
In a recent study, researchers explored how ABA modulates these ripening processes at both genetic and epigenetic levels through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).
09 Apr 2026
A study conducted in Chile evaluates chemical thinning in cherry trees using TSA and ACC, compared with manual methods. Results highlight impacts on fruit set, quality and size, offering practical insights for improving orchard productivity and efficiency.
09 Apr 2026
At the IFTA conference in California, new technologies for cherry and stone fruit orchards highlight benefits and limits. From automation and planar systems to growth regulators, growers assess costs, yields and sustainability to improve quality and market competitiveness.
