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China opens to South Africa: green light for stonefruit, cherries and blueberries next

Markets

21 Oct 2025

South Africa signs a new stonefruit export protocol with China and sets its sights on blueberries and cherries. The agriculture minister invites Chinese plant health officials to inspect orchards and packhouses, aiming to launch exports starting from the upcoming commercial seaso

Identification of PavUGT48, an enzyme involved in sweet cherry coloration and quality

Breeding

21 Oct 2025

Chinese researchers have identified PavUGT48, a gene in sweet cherry that enhances fruit color and quality. The enzyme acts on anthocyanins and amygdalin, paving the way for genetic selection and nutraceutical optimization in commercial cherry varieties.

Regina cherries: Chilean study reveals best gas mix for 40-day shelf life

Post-harvest​

21 Oct 2025

A Chilean study recommends 10–15% CO₂ and 10% O₂ combined with Caoba Claro harvest to extend Regina cherries’ shelf life up to 40 days, preserving firmness and quality for long exports to Asian markets, ensuring better arrival conditions and fewer losses.

Chile kicks off cherry season in Norte Chico with Nimba: early harvest and standout size

Varieties

20 Oct 2025

Chile’s 2025 cherry season begins in Norte Chico with Nimba cv, harvested in week 42. Over 80% of the fruit exceeds 28 mm. With high productivity and low chill requirement, it’s a strategic choice to enter early markets and optimize exports.

OPTIMISTII: the green solution to Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards

Crop protection

20 Oct 2025

The OPTIMISTII project, led by INRAE, offers an innovative biological approach to tackle Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards by combining male sterilization techniques to reduce pest reproduction and minimize the use of chemical pesticides in fruit production.

Colchagua beats Ovalle: ultra-early cherries kick off 2025/26 season

Production

17 Oct 2025

Chile's 2025/26 cherry season starts with a surprise: Colchagua beats Ovalle with AG2, harvested on October 13. 3J and 4J-sized cherries are already on their way to China. Meanwhile, the north kicks off its harvest with Brooks and Nimba, determined not to fall behind.

Growing cold-hardy cherry trees in Russia: varieties for colder areas

Varieties

17 Oct 2025

The best cold-hardy cherry tree varieties for northern Russia: learn how to grow Montazh, Čermashnaja, Revna and new Samara cultivars in cold regions like Moscow, Bryansk and Vologda. Tips, rootstocks, pollinators and techniques for a successful harvest.

The expert informs: fertilisation and irrigation of the cherry tree. Strategies for soil, roots and fruit quality

Tech management

17 Oct 2025

Technical guide to optimize cherry yield through precise irrigation, fertilization, and soil structure management. Strategies to enhance root activity, prevent compaction, and ensure high-quality, consistent fruit production season after season with sustainable practices.

Assisted pollination boosts ‘Regina’ cherry yield and quality

Tech management

16 Oct 2025

A study in Chile shows that assisted pollination using electrostatic technology increases fruit set in ‘Regina’ cherries grown under plastic covers, improving fruit quality and yield even when natural pollination conditions are not optimal.

Azerbaijan's cherry exports down 35% in first seven months of 2025

Markets

16 Oct 2025

From January to July 2025, Azerbaijan exported 16,740 tonnes of cherries, down 35% compared to the same period in 2024. Russia remains the top buyer, while imports surge with volumes from Iran, Russia, China, and the USA, marking a shift in trade dynamics for the sector.