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
08 Sep 2025
A study by the University of Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz shows that Fresh Inset’s Vidre+ technology, with controlled 1-MCP release inside packaging, keeps cherries fresh for up to 21 days, improving firmness, preserving stem colour and enhancing overall fruit quality.
14 Feb 2025
In the Parsada programme, financed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, several complementary levers have been identified. But these levers must be combined. It is not a question of applying isolated solutions, but of developing technical routes adapted to each situation.
19 Nov 2025
An innovative study explores the immune response of Lapins cherry to two MAMPs and the role of carotenoids in resisting Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. New strategies for effective, sustainable protection and varietal resilience in orchards.
19 Nov 2025
Chile is taking major steps in applying the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to control Drosophila suzukii in cherry orchards, in collaboration with ISCAMEN and supported by IAEA. The project combines biotechnology, integrated pest management and sustainable production practices.
