Notable incidence of phenomenon reported by growers, particularly in the Regina variety
Chilean fruit federation Fedefruta has warned that the 2024/25 cherry forecast may be lower than previously forecast. After carrying out a survey among cherry producers in different parts of the country, it found many were reporting notable fruit drop, the premature shedding of fruit from the tree before it becomes fully ripe.
Fedefruta said it decided to issue a warning so that the rest of the industry could adjust its plans for managing the export volume originally anticipated.
Fedefruta analysts explained that “despite good flowering, good pollination and favourable climatic conditions, there is evidence of fruit drop, mainly of the Regina variety. The Santina variety, although it is earlier, continues to fall. The Royal Dawn and Lapins varieties have also been affected”.
The federation said the fruit drop could be due to several factors: rootstock, area, microclimate, agronomic management or possibly a varietal issue, any of which could be causing a “natural load adjustment”.
“It should be noted that one of the producers consulted indicated that his orchard projected a volume of 8,000kg of cherries in one of the early varieties, but the final harvest will be much smaller,” Fedefruta said.
