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Cherry Times Magazine 2026: the fourth edition, dedicated to cherry cultivation worldwide, is now online

Events

15 Oct 2026

Cherry Times Magazine 2026 explores innovation, sustainability and cherry markets in its fourth edition. Presented at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, it looks ahead to Fruit Logistica 2027 in Berlin, examining the challenges and future of cherry production around the world.

Precision farming: Variable-rate irrigation in sweet cherry

Tech management

15 Oct 2026

A study in a commercial cherry orchard in Turkey shows that variable-rate irrigation, supported by satellite imagery and soil moisture monitoring, can cut irrigation water use by up to 49% while maintaining marketable yields and fruit quality, even in very hot weather.

The cherry breeding program at the Canadian Vineland station continues to yield excellent results

Breeding

15 Oct 2026

In Canada, Vineland's sweet cherry breeding program presents five selections, including Prism®. Fruit up to 30 mm in diameter, early ripening, self-fertility and resistance to rain cracking highlight the key traits of these new cherry varieties for Canadian growers.

Prism®: a new early-ripening Canadian cherry variety

Varieties

15 Oct 2026

Developed in Canada by the University of Guelph, Prism® is a new early-ripening, self-fertile cherry variety. Its fruit can reach 32 mm, harvesting starts 10 days before Bing, and it offers good rain-cracking tolerance and up to six weeks of modified-atmosphere storage.

In the new Chilean season, what will happen to the unsold fresh cherries?

Processed

14 Oct 2026

Chile forecasts 727,000 tonnes of cherries in 2026/27, with around 20% of the crop potentially destined for processing. The record harvest could boost supplies of IQF frozen, sulfited and dried cherries as exporters diversify beyond Chinese market and other destinations.

Early-ripening Armenian cherries are set to be exported to Europe and the Persian Gulf

Markets

14 Oct 2026

In Armenia, Naughty Orchards grows early cherries on 80 ha using Italian varieties Carmen, Sweet Gabriel and Sweet Lorenz. Following its first major harvest in 2026, the company targets 2,000 tonnes and export markets across Europe and the Gulf, with its own cold chain.

Wild cherry trees and the story of climate: What can growth rings tell us?

Production

13 Oct 2026

A study of 125 wild cherry trees in western Poland reveals how temperature and rainfall influence annual growth rings. Analysis of five populations highlights the importance of March weather, July temperatures and habitats in shaping tree growth and climate responses.

US exports of fresh cherries are expected to fall by 25 per cent

Markets

13 Oct 2026

US fresh cherry exports are forecast to fall to 62,000 tonnes in 2026/27 as frost damage cuts total output to 317,200 tonnes. California's early harvest contrasts with losses in the Pacific Northwest, reshaping production and export prospects. Asian markets remain key.

Forecasts suggest that the global cherry harvest will reach a record high of 5.4 million tonnes

Markets

13 Oct 2026

Global fresh cherry production is forecast to rise 17% in 2026/27 to a record 5.4 million tonnes. Turkey, China and Chile lead output growth, while worldwide cherry trade is expected to increase by more than 15%, supported by greater export supplies based on USDA data.

Rain increases the risk of fungal and bacterial infections in cherry trees

Crop protection

12 Oct 2026

Rainfall in south-central Chile is raising the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases in orchards. INIA Quilamapu warns that cherry, blueberry, pome fruit and grapevine crops are vulnerable, highlighting monitoring, preventive measures and the removal of infected timber.