On Wednesday, May 15, the Casino Monticello became the nerve center of the Chilean cherry industry. More than 800 agricultural professionals took part in the first edition of the MUNDOAGRO Cherry Special Congress, a technical event that captured the attention of growers, technicians, researchers and companies involved in the cherry supply chain.
The event provided a unique platform for professional development and direct discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, thanks to a high-level program consisting of masterclasses and technical forums.
The day began with agronomist Patricio Morales, who shared innovative strategies and practices in his talk “Estrategias y manejos de alto impacto para obtener cerezas de calidad”, focusing on optimizing field production.
He was followed by Juan Hirzel, researcher at INIA and plant nutrition specialist, who explored the importance of micronutrients in fruit quality in his presentation “Nutrición mineral del cerezo, con énfasis en micronutrientes”.
Much anticipation surrounded the masterclass by Professor Gregory Lang of Michigan State University, who presented the most recent developments in mechanization and automation of cherry training and covering systems. His presentation sparked a lively debate on production efficiency and long-term sustainability.
The congress also hosted three technical discussion forums, where experts and attendees debated key topics such as fruit quality, mineral nutrition, and new training systems. These sessions fostered a direct dialogue among stakeholders in the supply chain, helping to strengthen the sector's knowledge network.
With record attendance and a high-profile scientific agenda, the 1st MUNDOAGRO Cherry Special Congress established itself as a new benchmark for the Chilean agricultural community. The event is expected to return in future editions, supporting the growth of a strategic sector for the country's agri-food economy.
Text and image source: mundoagro.cl
23 Dec 2025
In Chifeng, Inner Mongolia (China), sweet cherry production in solar greenhouses is expanding rapidly. This article explores soil nutrient conditions and recommends targeted actions to correct deficiencies and support high-quality, sustainable cherry farming in the region.
27 Dec 2024
Gasic, leader of the four-year, $5 million project funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative, said there is still much to discover. For instance: Armillaria-resistant rootstocks that are compatible with cherry trees have yet to be found.
16 Jan 2026
B.J. Thurlby, who passed away at age 60, led the Washington State Fruit Commission for over 25 years. As a true ambassador for Northwest cherries, he championed research, exports and grower education, leaving a deep mark on the U.S. and international fruit industry.
16 Jan 2026
Frutas de Chile has revised its 2025/26 cherry export forecast down by 15% due to adverse weather, with shipments expected to reach 110 million boxes. To support sales, the Cherry Ice and Snow Festival launches in China, blending cherries, lifestyle and Lunar New Year culture.
