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Bumblebees could help combat bacterial diseases in cherry trees

Crop protection

05 Oct 2026

Bumblebees can carry bacteriophages directly to cherry blossoms, helping reduce Pseudomonas syringae populations. A University of Warwick study highlights a targeted biological approach that could support cherry grower while reducing reliance on conventional pesticides.

Expansion, varietal renewal and technological progress are reshaping the landscape of the Chilean cherry sector

Production

05 Oct 2026

Chile’s cherry industry is entering a new phase: 77,766 hectares, young orchards and major varietal renewal. An ODEPA study shows how Santina, Lapins and Regina, together with drip irrigation, could support a further increase in future cherry production across Chile.

The Chilean cherry season has started early, but with a 50 per cent drop in the earliest-ripening areas

Processed

02 Oct 2026

In Coquimbo, Chile, the cherry harvest could begin between October 10 and 15, one of the earliest dates ever recorded in the region. Production is expected to fall by 50%, while larger fruit, higher sugar levels and access to new markets could support growers this season.

How real-time tracking maintains and protects the quality of cherries

Post-harvest​

02 Oct 2026

In New Zealand, real-time monitoring with IoT sensors helps cherry growers track temperature and humidity during transport, prevent spoilage, reduce food waste and preserve quality and freshness from the orchard to the market throughout the entire cold-chain journey.

The competitiveness of cherries on international markets will increasingly depend on the efficiency of refrigerated logistics

Post-harvest​

01 Oct 2026

Chile’s 2026/27 cherry season is projected at 132 million boxes. With volumes rising and China still the key market, refrigerated transport, cold chain management, traceability and advance logistics planning will be crucial to protect quality, timing and profitability.

Delaying flowering to minimise damage from late frosts to cherry blossoms

Tech management

01 Oct 2026

A new study shows that ethephon can delay flowering in Kordia sweet cherries, potentially reducing the risk of damage from late spring frosts. The effect varies by cultivar, dose and timing, and further multi-year field trials are needed before practical recommendations.

Despite a difficult season, the company that produces the USA’s favourite cherry snack is thriving with its Rainier variety

Processed

01 Oct 2026

In Washington State, Chukar Cherries closes a season marked by frost and rain with 285 tons of cherries processed. The statewide crop falls 16%, while investments in technology and new processing lines help the company support local growers and manage shorter harvests.

Malic acid promotes fruit cracking in cherry trees

Tech management

30 Sep 2026

A study from Hannover sheds new light on sweet cherry cracking: malic acid in cherry juice can trigger rapid skin splitting even with limited water uptake, linking the bursting of epidermal cells to the development of visible cracks across the fruit skin in orchards.

A precision pollination project is being launched to speed up genetic selection and boost the productivity of cherry orchards

Tech management

30 Sep 2026

A new UK project will use bioacoustic sensors, AI and field trials to measure pollinator activity, improve fruit set, yield and quality, and support more resilient production of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries across commercial farms.

Following its most challenging season ever, the Chilean cherry industry is aiming to regain its former glory

Markets

29 Sep 2026

After a difficult season, Chile aims to relaunch its cherries in China through higher quality, reputation management and new commercial strategies. The industry is also looking to India and the United States, while rebuilding consumer trust remains the main priority.