Rain-induced fruit cracking is one of the most insidious challenges in cherry cultivation, as it can compromise both quality and yield in both greenhouse and open-field crops.
Researchers from Northeast Agricultural University (China) conducted an in-depth study on the topic, summarising the research findings to date regarding the physiological mechanisms underlying the phenomenon, comparing the two production environments, and revealing the different pathways through which water penetrates and alters the fruit structure.
In cherries grown outdoors, cracking is primarily linked to xylem-mediated water transport, which increases the internal pressure of the fruit until it cracks.
On the contrary, in greenhouse-grown cherries, the problem more often stems from direct water absorption through the epidermis, favoured by high humidity and reduced ventilation.
The article published in the Horticultural Plant Journal also highlights important distinctive environmental factors: in the fields, calcium loss from the pericarp and sudden temperature changes due to wind exacerbate the fruit's vulnerability.
In a greenhouse, however, excessive thinning can reduce the yield, altering the physiological balance and making the fruits more susceptible.
Cherry cracking has been identified as a quantitative trait influenced by multiple genes, and currently, implementing appropriate orchard management practices remains the most effective strategy to address this issue.
To combat cracking, numerous integrated orchard management strategies have been tested, ranging from agronomic practices like crop load regulation to technological and innovative solutions: mineral applications, biostimulants, growth regulators, antitranspirants, edible coatings, and spraying systems with intelligent sensing technologies.
Each approach is evaluated for effectiveness, environmental adaptability, technical feasibility, and degree of innovation, providing an updated overview of best practices at the national and international levels, as the classification and analysis of these management strategies are of considerable importance.
For example, thinning is most effective during the flowering stage, while applying edible coatings offers the greatest benefit during the fruiting stage.
Another important aspect concerns the main methodologies for assessing cracking susceptibility.
Currently, there are three – the cracking index (CI), the T50/WU50, and the cracking ratio (CR) – and they have been compared with the aim of outlining a standardised framework for monitoring and research.
Despite progress, vulnerability to cracking remains high in both growing environments: the protection offered by the greenhouse tends to decrease over time, while conditions in the open field remain strongly influenced by weather events.
Future research will therefore need to focus on varietal specificities, as effective strategies for one cultivar may be less successful for another.
This awareness is crucial for breeding programs aimed at obtain cracking-resistant cultivars.
In conclusion, this work not only gathers and organises the latest knowledge on the cherry cracking phenomenon but also offers strategic guidance for growers and researchers, opening up new perspectives towards more resilient, sustainable, and high-quality cultivation.
Source: JOUR, Mechanisms and management strategies for rain-cracking in greenhouse and open-air cherry, Yang, Shuo, Huang, Zilong, Yang, Fuming, Chi, Yujie, Chi, Yuan, Horticultural Plant Journal, 2025, 2025/07/01/, 2468-0141 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2025.04.008
Image source: SL Fruit Service
Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)
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