Driven by growing Chinese demand, cherry cultivation in Chile has experienced sustained growth for more than 15 years, consolidating itself as the country's leading fruit in production and export. In this context, conducting laboratory analyses in a responsible and timely manner becomes an essential step to guarantee successful harvests.
With more than 15 years of continuous growth, cherry cultivation has established itself as the leader in fruit production and export in our country. According to data provided by the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (ODEPA), during the period from January to May 2023, exports of the red fruit were recorded reaching a total of 1 million 734 thousand tons, with a value of USD
4.354 billion. This growth phenomenon is largely attributed to the increase in Chinese demand, which accounts for approximately 901 TP3T of total exports.
As a result, carrying out accurate foliar and fruit analysis becomes a crucial factor in ensuring success in cherry harvesting.
In our country, the peak season for this type of crop runs from November to April, and careful preparation is key to ensuring a successful harvest. In this sense, leaf and fruit analysis emerges as an essential ally for farmers, acting as the "test" that can determine the fate of their crops and the economic return they produce.
This analysis carries out a thorough assessment of the health of the trees and the condition of the future fruit. When it comes to producing the fruit, it becomes an essential step, since if the cherry trees do not receive the necessary nutrients or suffer health problems, this could translate into a lower quality harvest and lower economic returns for those who produce them.
The peak cherry growing season in Chile is fast approaching, so the ideal time to carry out these analyses is approaching. It is extremely opportune for farmers to carry out the necessary checks and address any potential problems before the first fruits begin to appear on the trees, considering that this fruit tree uses reserves from last season and therefore it is important to supply the deficiencies as necessary.
“In cherry growing, the secret to success lies in the details, and foliar and fruit analyses are a key point. These health tests for trees and fruits provide vital information. With them, farmers can adjust fertilization and irrigation, detect problems early and ensure that their cherry trees are ready for a quality harvest.”, highlighted Mauricio Adasme, an agronomist at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and head of the Las Garzas Agricultural Laboratory.
«The peak season is approaching, harvesting and being present with the fruit at the times of greatest demand in Asia implies greater returns, so we call on all farmers, whether small, medium or large, to carry out their foliar and fruit analyses accurately, as this way they can guarantee abundant harvests of good color, size, healthy and productive in the future,» he added.
About Las Garzas Agricultural School
The Las Garzas Agricultural School is a school that offers free technical-professional education to boys from 5th grade to 4th year of high school. It is located in Chimbarongo (Colchagua Province), one of the most fertile agricultural areas in Chile. A group of professionals founded Las Garzas in 1963 under the impetus of St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, founder of Opus Dei. Today it has more than 290 students and 1,100 graduates.
