Just days ahead of Chinese New Year (February 17)—the most important celebration in the Asian giant—Chilean cherries are positioned as the leading protagonists of the festivities. This fruit, a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and abundance, is among the most highly valued gifts during this period, consolidating Chile as a key player in this strategic market.
For Chilean cherries to succeed not only in China but also in the world’s main destination markets, achieving outstanding quality standards in terms of size, color, firmness, and overall condition has become a top priority for both producers and exporters. In this context, postharvest management plays a decisive role, as it directly affects fruit condition, postharvest life, and the productive performance of the following season.
Within this framework, the 3rd Cherry Postharvest Course, led by consultant Patricio Morales, was held with a strong focus on orchard management strategies. This edition marked a milestone, as it was the first to be conducted in an in-person format, following previous editions held online.
The event took place on January 21 at the Monticello Conference Center and brought together more than 250 producers, exporters, and industry professionals, aiming to deliver technical tools to address the challenges of an increasingly competitive and demanding cherry industry.
During the opening session, the director of Agricultural Advisory and Services, the organizing entity of the course, thanked attendees who gathered at the Monticello Conference Center and referred to the current and upcoming challenges facing the cherry industry. “I believe we are constantly facing new challenges in fruit production in general. We are heading into a very difficult season, where new obstacles continue to emerge and we must learn how to overcome them,” he stated.
Regarding the importance of the course—produced by Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries)—and the participation of various industry stakeholders, including producers, marketers, and distributors, the consultant emphasized that “we are all part of an ecosystem in which we depend on one another, as we each play a key role in the production of fresh fruit.”
Greater phytosanitary pressure, fewer chemical tools, and increasingly demanding markets: The challenges of postharvest management
Regarding the control of postharvest pests and diseases, the consultant noted that “this is a highly relevant issue. Since last season, we have experienced a significant pest burden; in fact, the current season began with increased pressure from both pests and diseases. Over time, the number of chemical tools available for control has decreased, and this is where biological solutions have gained greater importance as a complement to chemical management.”
He also explained that there is a clear intention to expand access to new markets, many of which are highly restrictive and impose strict quarantine requirements for certain pests. “This makes the design of efficient phytosanitary programs for pest and disease control increasingly complex,” he stated.
With respect to diseases, he indicated that rot caused by Botrytis and Alternaria represents the most significant threats and showed high recurrence during the previous season. “Many of these rots,” he added, “are associated with Drosophila suzukii, a pest that has been particularly aggressive this season and has generated numerous problems during the preharvest stage in orchards. In the case of Drosophila suzukii, application schedules must be extremely strict, avoiding any gaps that would allow insect entry,” Morales emphasized.
Regarding rot management, he highlighted that the use of fungicides is a key component of flowering-stage programs. However, he cautioned that “in recent years there has been an overuse of certain active ingredients which, due to their low cost, have been widely accessible to growers.”
The first of many
This comprehensive technical training program also marked the first event produced by CASM Blueberries. Antonia Maggiolo, Head of R&D at CASM, stated, “We are very pleased with the success of the first course we have organized. It has been developing very positively, with strong participation. We are very happy and grateful. Today, we are addressing cherry production together with Patricio Morales, and more courses focused on blueberries will follow, so we invite you to stay tuned for what is coming next.”
At the conclusion of the course, Patricio Morales shared his impressions of the event. “It was an outstanding day for me. Attendance was very strong, with more than 260 participants, so I am extremely pleased and very grateful. On a personal level, one always seeks to contribute something more to the country’s fruit industry, and this instance was very well received. I am truly thankful, and as I mentioned, we must continue pushing the cherry business forward,” he concluded.
