Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, providing benefits for the cardiovascular and immune systems as well as cellular metabolism. This element is present in plants, but only in limited quantities. This is mainly due to its low availability in agricultural soils, resulting in reduced plant uptake and low concentrations in fruits for human consumption.
A recent study from Poland evaluated the effectiveness of selenium fertilization on “Burlat” sweet cherry trees, analyzing the impact of different application techniques on tree growth, yield, and fruit quality.
Table 1. Changes in soil selenium status at a depth of 0–30 cm in a ‘Burlat’ sweet cherry orchard after two cropping seasons following soil selenium fertilisation.
The two-year study compared two main fertilization strategies: soil application of selenium and pre-harvest foliar sprays. In the first case, selenium was applied as a single dose at the beginning of the season. In the second case, trees received four foliar selenium applications throughout the season, either alone or in combination with calcium chloride (CaCl₂).
The results showed that all fertilization methods increased selenium levels in leaves and fruits, but with significant differences in effectiveness. Trees treated with foliar sprays of Se and CaCl₂ showed the highest increase in selenium concentration in fruits, up to 15 times higher than untreated control samples.
Table 2. Effect of selenium fertilisation on quality parameters of ‘Burlat’ sweet cherry fruit at harvest.
Despite the increased selenium content in the leaves, none of the adopted techniques significantly influenced tree growth or yield, and at the same time, no treatment caused leaf injuries. However, fruits from Se-treated trees showed an increase in soluble solids concentration (SSC), a key parameter for sweetness and organoleptic quality.
Additionally, only the combined Se and CaCl₂ treatment reduced the percentage of fruits affected by rain-induced cracking, a common issue for “Burlat” variety.
Analysis showed that while soil fertilization increased the total selenium concentration in the substrate, it was less effective than foliar applications in transferring the nutrient to the fruits. This result is attributed to the mobility of selenate (the selenium ion used in the study) in the soil, which can be easily leached beyond the root absorption zone, reducing its availability to the plant.
In contrast, foliar applications ensured more direct and efficient absorption.
From a nutritional perspective, fleshy fruits like sweet cherries are generally considered a poor source of selenium. Nevertheless, consuming selenium-enriched cherries can help meet the recommended daily intake of this micronutrient more easily.
Based on the results obtained, the study suggests that biofortification with selenium through foliar sprays is an effective strategy to improve the nutritional value of sweet cherries without compromising yield or fruit quality.
In conclusion, the study confirms that pre-harvest foliar applications of selenium are the most effective solution for enriching “Burlat” sweet cherries with this micronutrient, especially in selenium-deficient soils. Furthermore, when selenium treatment is combined with CaCl₂, it offers the additional advantage of increasing soluble solids content and reducing the risk of fruit cracking.
Source: Wójcik, P. Responses of ‘Burlat’ Sweet Cherry Trees to Selenium Fertilisation under Low Soil Selenium Conditions. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 24, 8343–8352 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02119-8
Images: Fonte: Pawel Wojcik, 2024; SL Fruit Service
Andrea Giovannini
Università di Bologna
29 Oct 2024
The SIMKEF model, which aims to predict and control the insect using models based on temperature data, combines various climatic and biological parameters to estimate the (daily) probability of occurrence of the pest.
16 Jan 2024
Aníbal Caminiti confirmed that the strategy is aimed at fruit that arrives later in the markets. He also recalled that the strategies of the Argentinian industry have to coexist with the strong presence of Chilean cherries, not only in China but in all markets.
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.
