Early cherry varieties in Spain: ANA Chile® explores new promising genotypes

20 Jun 2025
472

During the visit, we had the opportunity to observe the results of new and promising early-harvest varieties with a low chilling requirement, some even earlier than cv. Nimba.

These varieties are already present in Chile and are candidates for future commercial development in the country, thanks to ANA Chile®.

Observations from Spanish Orchards

From May 14 to 20, the “2025 Spain Early Cherry Technical Tour” took place, during which we visited several orchards located between the cities of Lleida and Zaragoza.

Among the very early varieties with a low chilling requirement, a selection from the Ibergen program proved particularly promising, showing good yield and fruit quality in an area with 400–500 chilling hours—conditions similar to those in Ovalle.

In Spain, harvesting occurred 3 to 9 days earlier than cv. Nimba, according to evaluations conducted over three consecutive seasons.

Promising Varieties and Selections

We would also like to highlight Selection 10, a genotype already present in Chile and included in the new variety development program.

It stands out for its excellent size, good firmness, and high productivity, with a harvest date in Spain that coincides with Santina.

The fruits observed in the Mequinenza fields exhibited all these traits, 5–7 days before harvest.

Varietal Management and Seasonal Trends

We were also able to observe significant progress in the management of early varieties recently introduced in Chile, such as cv. Nimba, cv. Pacific Red, Sweet Aryana®, and Sweet Lorenz®.

These varieties already demonstrate established management, as well as increasing demand from the European market.

Lastly, it should be noted that this season's harvests began later than in previous years, with delays ranging from 7 to 10 days depending on the area.

This delay was mainly caused by a cold and rainy spring, which even led to hail damage in some areas.

Source: anachile.cl

Image source: ANA Chile


Cherry Times – All rights reserved

What to read next

Michigan State University proposes research against replanting problems

Tech management Planting systems

21 Nov 2023

The MSU team's goal is to test management practices that can reduce replanting problems, decrease nematode damage and increase cherry tree growth, with the aim of producing 'solid recommendations' for growers.

Hungary’s 2025 cherry season devastated by severe frost and crop failures

Production

27 May 2025

Hungary’s 2025 cherry harvest faces its worst collapse in decades after April frosts damaged 90% of orchards. With crop losses exceeding 80% and a sector already struggling with outdated methods and labor shortages, the country risks a major setback in cherry production.

In evidenza

Hydrocooling and thyme essential oil: a new strategy to improve sweet cherry shelf life

Post-harvest​

08 Jul 2025

A scientific study from Shandong, China, evaluated a postharvest treatment for “Tieton” cherries using hydrocooling and thyme essential oil. The method reduces decay and fungal pathogens, extends shelf life to 12 days, and maintains flavor, firmness, and nutritional properties.

Bracigliano PGI cherries: the HRMAS-NMR study enhancing a Campanian excellence

Quality

08 Jul 2025

An innovative study in Campania used HRMAS-NMR spectroscopy to analyze three varieties of Bracigliano PGI cherries, identifying their chemical, nutraceutical, and compositional qualities. The results highlight the value of this traditional Italian product.

Tag Popolari