News about Chile

A warm, rainy spring can put a strain on cherry orchards: advice from an expert

Tech management

27 Aug 2026

In Chile, El Niño is raising risks for cherry orchards as waterlogging can damage roots and disrupt budding and flowering, while preharvest rain may increase fruit cracking and rot. INIA Quilamapu highlights strategies to protect cherry quality, yield and postharvest life.

Seaweed biostimulants strengthen ‘Colt’ rootstock against water stress

Rootstocks

26 Aug 2026

In Chile, biostimulants based on Macrocystis pyrifera, alone or combined with Pseudomonas koreensis, improve the ‘Colt’ cherry rootstock response to drought and water stress by supporting photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal control, root growth and plant resilience.

Artificial intelligence is already being used in Chilean cherry orchards

Tech management

25 Aug 2026

In Chile, artificial intelligence, drones and multispectral imaging are transforming cherry farming. New technologies improve yields, treatment precision, water efficiency and crop management, while accelerating the development of increasingly automated and data-driven orchards.

The nitrogen/phosphorus balance is crucial for the proper preservation of cherries

Post-harvest​

21 Aug 2026

A study in southern Chile shows how mineral nutrition, especially the balance between nitrogen and phosphorus, may influence internal browning in Regina sweet cherries, postharvest quality and the fruit’s ability to withstand long storage periods for export markets.

The Patagonian cherry will be the first PDO to make its debut in the sector on international markets

Specialties

20 Aug 2026

The Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos – Patagonia Designation of Origin has validated its Quality Management System, ensuring traceability and local production standards. The project now paves the way for the first export of certified cherries in the upcoming season.

What does the new cherry season look like in Chile?

Crop protection

17 Aug 2026

Chile’s cherry season is set to be challenging as rain, humidity and temperature shifts favor Botrytis, Alternaria and other pathogens. Check Fast Cherry enables rapid infection monitoring, helping growers protect fruit quality, yields, harvest and postharvest performance.

Technical update on branching strategies in cherry orchards

Tech management

12 Aug 2026

In Chile, effective cherry tree branching can accelerate fruit production and improve yield potential. Hydrogen cyanamide, Promalin, gibberellic acid and targeted bud treatments help stimulate healthy, uniform lateral branches and support efficient orchard development.

Impact of the recent US tariff adjustment on cherries for export

Markets

05 Aug 2026

A 12.5% US tariff on Chilean cherries is squeezing margins and slowing diversification beyond China. Exporters are responding through bilateral talks, more efficient logistics, premium-grade fruit and faster growth in Vietnam, India, Indonesia and South Korea in 2026.

Low-density plastic covers improve the quality of the cherries

Covers

04 Aug 2026

In Chile, a three-year study conducted in Curicó shows that low-density plastic covers increase cherry size, protect orchards from frost and hail, and improve fruit quality, profitability and the international competitiveness of growers across Maule and Asian markets.

The cherry supply chain: a sector in constant evolution

Tech management

04 Aug 2026

Chile’s cherry industry faces growing production, climate and commercial challenges. Fruit quality, size, agronomic strategies and stronger coordination between growers and exporters will be essential to compete in China and protect the sector’s long-term profitability.