News about Chile

Cherry trees at risk: humidity and heat raise threat of fungal diseases

Crop protection

30 Oct 2025

Current weather conditions with high humidity and rising temperatures are favoring the spread of Botrytis and Alternaria in cherry trees. INIA is developing early detection sensors and smart predictive platforms to protect fruit bound for export markets.

Cherries: Mendoza imports certified rootstocks from Chile for the first time

Nurseries

29 Oct 2025

Mendoza has imported 25,000 certified cherry rootstocks from Chile for the first time. This virus-free plant material will improve fruit quality, boost long-term yields, and attract investments to expand cherry orchards across the Argentine region.

Soil calcium: how to improve cherry firmness in early spring

Tech management

27 Oct 2025

Applying calcium to the soil during spring can enhance cherry firmness in Chile, even in calcium-rich soils. This article explores early-season applications, the role of vapor pressure deficit (VPD), root zone temperatures, and internal calcium reserves in fruit trees.

Cherries and dehydration: effects on weight, stem freshness and postharvest fruit quality

Post-harvest​

23 Oct 2025

Dehydration is one of the main threats to cherry quality during postharvest. Stem browning, loss of firmness and weight reduction compromise freshness and commercial value, limiting acceptance in international markets where strict quality standards define success.

Cherries: market growth faces cracking, climate instability and biotech innovation

Tech management

22 Oct 2025

Chile’s cherry industry keeps expanding with exports driven by China, but growers face critical threats: fruit cracking, unstable weather and billion-dollar losses. Producers and startups rely on integrated orchard strategies and biotech innovation to secure quality and competiti

Regina cherries: Chilean study reveals best gas mix for 40-day shelf life

Post-harvest​

21 Oct 2025

A Chilean study recommends 10–15% CO₂ and 10% O₂ combined with Caoba Claro harvest to extend Regina cherries’ shelf life up to 40 days, preserving firmness and quality for long exports to Asian markets, ensuring better arrival conditions and fewer losses.

Chile kicks off cherry season in Norte Chico with Nimba: early harvest and standout size

Varieties

20 Oct 2025

Chile’s 2025 cherry season begins in Norte Chico with Nimba cv, harvested in week 42. Over 80% of the fruit exceeds 28 mm. With high productivity and low chill requirement, it’s a strategic choice to enter early markets and optimize exports.

Assisted pollination boosts ‘Regina’ cherry yield and quality

Tech management

16 Oct 2025

A study in Chile shows that assisted pollination using electrostatic technology increases fruit set in ‘Regina’ cherries grown under plastic covers, improving fruit quality and yield even when natural pollination conditions are not optimal.

Cherry training systems: complete guide to the most efficient orchard architectures

Planting systems

15 Oct 2025

Detailed overview of cherry training systems in Chile, including characteristics, pros, cons, and variety/rootstock combos for central leader, KGB, UFO, TSA, SSA, and V/Y trellises. Focus on precocity, labor efficiency, planting density, pruning and growth control.

Chilean cherries 2025/26: logistics, postharvest and global market strategies

Production

13 Oct 2025

Full analysis of Chile's 2025/26 cherry campaign: record production, cold chain logistics, postharvest quality, climate and market risks, China’s dominance, emerging markets and strategic recommendations to ensure quality, profitability and competitiveness.