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A new manual on growing and pruning fruit trees

Planting systems

20 Feb 2026

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture (Canada) publishes a technical guide on the cultivation and pruning of stone and pome fruit trees. Focus on peach, plum, sweet cherry and pear trees, with guidance on work efficiency, crop load management and disease control.

S.L.E.C.I.: the innovative irrigation system that reduces water consumption while maintaining yield and quality in sweet cherry

Tech management

20 Feb 2026

A Bulgarian study compares the SLECI system with drip irrigation in sweet cherry orchards. Water use reduced up to 14 times with similar yields and higher irrigation water productivity. A sustainable solution for drought-prone areas with limited energy resources.

Chilean cherries in China: surplus, quality and shifting demand

Markets

20 Feb 2026

The 2025/26 Chilean cherry season in China ends with exports down 12%, December arrivals concentrated and supply-demand imbalances. The market is shifting from festive luxury to everyday fruit, with clear polarization between 2J and premium 3J-4J sizes and new strategies.

High-density cherry trees: Serbian research identifies the best rootstock–cultivar combinations

Planting systems

19 Feb 2026

A 13-year study in Čačak, Serbia, on a high-density sweet cherry orchard (1,250 trees/ha) comparing Mazzard and Colt rootstocks. Growth, yield, fruit quality and profitability were assessed on heavy, acidic soils without irrigation, highlighting long-term differences.

From Central Otago to Asia: premium cherries from Clyde Orchards

Production

19 Feb 2026

In Central Otago, Clyde Orchards grows, packages and exports premium cherries to China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Over 105 hectares managed with vertical integration, a favourable climate and RSE labour support quality, freshness and positioning in Asian markets.

Cherry crop load management: the AI leaf-to-fruit method

Tech management

19 Feb 2026

A Michigan State University researcher promotes imaging sensors and AI to measure the leaf-to-fruit ratio in sweet cherries. From Washington State orchards to planar canopies, the approach helps optimize crop load, fruit size and quality using objective data-driven management.

Chile cherry exports 2025-2026: record shipments to China, stable prices

Markets

18 Feb 2026

Chile’s 2025-2026 cherry season closes with 112 million boxes exported, 87% shipped to China. Prices remain stable despite high supply levels. The United States and Southeast Asia show growth, while the industry faces mounting concerns over potential overproduction risks.

The evolution of the plastome and genetic diversity of sweet cherry in China

Breeding

18 Feb 2026

Study in China on 110 sweet cherry plastomes (Prunus avium) reveals three maternal lineages and a marked reduction in genetic diversity among modern cultivars. A clear plastid bottleneck emerges, with implications for breeding, traceability and climate resilience.

Sustainable management of bacterial canker defence in cherry trees

Crop protection

17 Feb 2026

An INIA study published in Plants explains why bacterial canker of cherry remains persistent in Chile. Researchers analyzed Pseudomonas syringae populations adapted to local conditions and more resistant to copper, supporting more integrated and sustainable management strategies.

Calcium-based treatments and MAP packaging improve the quality and shelf life of cherries 

Post-harvest​

17 Feb 2026

A study on ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherries shows that combining 4% calcium chloride with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces weight loss, respiration and decay, preserving organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds during cold storage and extending overall shelf life.