Viveros Copequén, exclusive representative in Chile and South America of the cherry varieties developed at the Summerland Experimental Station, Canada, has shared a series of essential recommendations to ensure success in the planting and management of cherry trees.
To ensure the integrity of the plants during transport, it is recommended that they be transported in closed trucks and always in an upright position. Upon arrival at their destination, it is crucial that the roots are not exposed to the environment; they should be placed in trenches and completely covered with moist soil or hydrated sawdust to prevent dehydration.
Careful handling of plants is essential to maintain their quality. It is important to handle them from the grafting area, avoiding touching the buds which are extremely sensitive to mechanical damage. In addition, quality control must be visual, without direct contact with the buds. Each package must be clearly identified with detailed information on the species, variety, number of plants, date, producer and rootstock, ensuring proper organization and monitoring.
During soil preparation and planting, it is vital that the hole is proportional to the root system of the plants, allowing the roots to be accommodated in a vertical position. The neck of the plant should be at the same level as in the nursery, considering that the soil may lower after planting, to prevent the plants from being unseated. The rootstock/graft union should be visible and at least 15 cm from the surface, ensuring proper and healthy growth.
To protect plants from damage and disease, it is not necessary to disinfect or prune the roots, as these treatments are carried out in the nursery. However, for certain rootstocks such as Colt, a second inoculation with Agrobacterium radiobacter R 84 is mandatory. The decapitation of dormant eye plants should be carried out 2 cm above the bud or graft at the beginning of budding, avoiding rainy days and applying fungal paint to the cut. In addition, it is essential to protect the plants from damage by rabbits and insects, which are the main causes of bud loss.
In the southern area, where climatic conditions are adverse, it is recommended to plant early and use finished plants to minimize risks. The installation of roofs from the first year and compliance with preventive phytosanitary applications are essential for the success of the plantation. For the use of cold chambers, it is important to maintain the temperature between 4-5°C and the relative humidity between 60-70%, applying fungicides before placing the plants in the chamber. The gradual acclimatization of the plants in shade before taking them to the final soil is also essential to avoid stress and promote their development.
Learn more about Viveros Copequén's recommendations at www.viverosccopequen.cl.
