Sweet cherries selenium enrichment: from fertilization to fruit quality

28 Mar 2025
464

Sweet cherries selenium enrichment

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.

Fertilization strategies and results

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.

Effects on tree growth and fruit quality

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.

Soil vs. foliar application

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.

Nutritional benefits and conclusions

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


Cherry Times - Tutti i diritti riservati

What to read next

A new dieback pathogen found in the Pacific Northwest

Crop protection

06 Mar 2025

The researchers collected samples in 70 orchards in 2023 and another 16 in 2024 in cherry-growing regions in Oregon and Washington. They found the presence of cankers and decay in most locations.

Secondary metabolites in buds: a clue to bud break

Tech management Production

09 Oct 2023

The results validate the biological activity in buds during the winter period. Although it is evident that ABA has a distinct temporal shift following the release of endo-dormancy, it emerges as the main metabolite responsible for the eco-dormancy phase.

In evidenza

Sour cherry harvest hits historic low: prices rise and stocks deplete

Production

23 Jun 2025

Hungary's 2025 sour cherry harvest plummets to just 35,000 tons following devastating spring frosts. With key growing regions severely impacted and processing industry stocks nearly depleted, the market faces significant price hikes and widespread supply shortages across Europe.

Chile’s cherry sector goes organic: biocontrol, bioinputs and a sustainable future

Tech management

23 Jun 2025

Chile’s cherry industry is turning organic. Growers and experts adopt bioinputs, biocontrol and field validation to meet global demands and reduce environmental impact. Between El Niño cycles and climate stress, biological tools are shaping the orchard of tomorrow.

Tag Popolari