The seminar “Phytosanitary Challenges in Cherry Trees: Problems and Solutions,” organized by the Dissemination Project and Transfer of the South Fruit Growing Center, was recently held at the Auditorium of the Colchagua Campus of the Universidad de O'Higgins, located in San Fernando (O'Higgins Region).
The day began with greetings from Claudia Jorquera, coordinator of the South Fruit Growing Center program, followed by the first presentation by Dr. Nicola Fiore, an academic and researcher from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Chile (UCHILE), who illustrated the implications of various viruses, the damage they can cause to a cherry tree, and the importance of prevention as the main form of management.
The event continued with a presentation by Dr. Alan Zamorano, assistant professor in the Department of Plant Health of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UCHILE, who spoke about the bacteria present in cherry trees and how genomic studies can improve their detection.
Subsequently, the second block began with the presentation by Dr. Carlos Castañeda, academic, researcher, and director of the Nematology Laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UCHILE.
The last presentation followed, given by Dr. Ernesto San Blas, an academic at the Institute of Agro-Food, Animal and Environmental Sciences (ICA3) of the Universidad de O'Higgins (UOH). This block was dedicated to nematodes, presenting basic information on the implications of the presence of parasitic nematodes in plants and entomopathogens.
According to Dr. Castañeda, the seminar was an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges that parasitic nematodes pose in cherry orchards. He also emphasized that the interaction with the participants was enriching, adding: “I am convinced that this type of event is essential for disseminating the importance of phytosanitary issues that go unnoticed, integrating their relevance with the implementation of sustainable and effective agricultural practices.”
The following presentations were made (click on the title to download the presentation in Spanish):
Source: Diario Frutícola
Image: SL Fruit Service
28 Aug 2025
Genomic study on Cerasus sweet cherry led by China and France: the analysis reveals evolutionary origin, genetic structure, and key cultivar traits. A valuable resource to improve cherry quality and resistance across Europe and Asia through targeted breeding efforts.
09 Jul 2025
Poland’s cherry output is forecast at just 115,000 tons in 2025/26, marking a 30% drop due to severe spring frosts. Early varieties were worst hit, with some orchards losing up to 90%. Imports rise sharply while domestic inventories vanish, tightening the EU market.
25 Nov 2025
A recent Serbian study tested 14 cherry rootstocks on heavy, acidic soils without irrigation. Results show how each rootstock impacts fruit size, sugars, acidity and antioxidants, helping farmers make better rootstock-cultivar choices for quality yield.
25 Nov 2025
In 2025, the CTIFL research center in La Tapy (France) evaluated 20 cherry varieties, focusing on fruit size, productivity, firmness, and resistance to cracking. Researcher Aliénor Royer-Lanoote presented key data to guide cherry orchard planning across European growing regions.
