News about Spain

Aqueous spot: a new epidermal physiopathy affecting cherries

Quality

13 Jan 2026

Aqueous spot in Burlat sweet cherries in Spain reduces fruit quality and market value. Research from the Jerte Valley shows physiological damage, pigment depletion and a visible–NIR optical signature that enables non‑destructive detection of affected fruit.

Melatonin treatments improve the functional quality of cherries

Quality

07 Jan 2026

A study from Miguel Hernández University in Alicante investigates the effect of melatonin applied before and after harvest on 'Sunburst' cherries. Results show a 29% rise in anthocyanins and a 5x increase in endogenous melatonin after 21 days at 2 °C in cold storage.

The first evergreen cherry tree: innovation against climate change

Breeding

07 Jan 2026

A research team in Aragón has developed the world’s first evergreen cherry tree, able to grow continuously throughout the year without winter dormancy. This breakthrough helps fruit crops adapt to climate change, enhance agricultural resilience and expand global production zones.

Climate emergencies: over €900,000 in compensation for Spanish cherry growers in Extremadura

Production

25 Dec 2025

La Junta de Extremadura ha distribuito 904.540 euro nel secondo pagamento dell’aiuto straordinario 2024 per i cerasicoltori colpiti dal maltempo. La misura, parte del Decreto Legge 3/2025, prevede un’ultima tranche da un milione di euro in arrivo nei prossimi giorni.

Molecular pathways in sweet cherry bud dormancy release: Spain-Denmark study

Tech management

17 Dec 2025

A Spain-Denmark study reveals the molecular pathways behind sweet cherry bud dormancy release. The research highlights the roles of hydrogen cyanamide, jasmonates and cytokinins in helping fruit trees adapt to climate change effects on flowering.

Aragonese cherries head to China: Orchard Fruit's bold move

Markets

11 Dec 2025

Aragonese cherries are set to enter the Chinese market thanks to Orchard Fruit, a family business led by Menchu Guerrero. Since 2017, the company has followed a scientific and export-driven strategy, inspired by Chile’s model, to bring premium fruit to global markets.

Enzymatic method for starch quantification in sweet cherry floral buds

Retail

15 Oct 2025

A new enzymatic protocol enables accurate starch quantification in sweet cherry floral buds, even from preserved samples. The method is fast, sensitive and suitable for large-scale studies in plant physiology and reproductive biology of stone fruit trees.

Biostimulants in sweet cherry: yield and quality in southern Spain compared

Tech management

14 Oct 2025

A study from southern Spain compares two biostimulant strategies on sweet cherry trees, focusing on yield, fruit quality, and ripening in “Nimba” and “Red Pacific”. Results show clear economic benefits and sustainable options for cherry growers worldwide.

China opens to Jerte cherries: Spanish exports set to take off

Markets

22 Sep 2025

China opens its doors to Jerte cherries after ten years of negotiations. First shipments will go by air to avoid maritime delays. A new market for Extremadura’s fruit exports, facing strict protocols but also unlocking significant opportunities in the global cherry trade.

New Picota cherries from Spain: less pit, more quality and stem-free harvest

Breeding

17 Sep 2025

In Spain’s Jerte Valley, new Picota cherry cultivars enhance fruit quality, reduce pit size, and support stem-free harvesting. A recent study identifies four promising genotypes with commercial size, shelf-life resistance, and post-harvest performance in MAP.