Chile continues to make progress in the development of its own cherry varieties. To date, the Fruit Technology Consortium's Cherry Tree Genetic Improvement Program (PMG), has developed 116 selections of cherries with promising characteristics with the support of CORFO and the Catholic University of Chile, from which they expect to produce the first 100% Chilean varieties.
The advances of the Cherry Genetic Improvement Program were presented by the director of the Fruit Technology Consortium, Dra. Marlene Ayala, during a field day on December 1, at the Consortium's demonstration field at the San Vicente de Paul Agricultural School (EASV) in Coltauco.
On that day, cherry exporters, professionals from the Universidad Católica de Chile, and ASOEX toured progeny orchards, first selections, and second selections of cherries, to see in situ the characteristics of the fruit. The participants tasted the fruit and were able to evaluate various of its aspects, such as color, crispness, sweetness/acidity, among others.
“We are very happy with the progress we have shown today. Currently, the Chilean cherry industry is very important at the national and global levels. Chile is the main supplier of these fruits at a global level, a position that the Fruit Technology Consortium can support and continue to consolidate with Chilean varieties that respond to the needs of the national export industry, markets, and consumers,” stated Ronald Bown, the president of ASOEX and of the Fruit Technology Consortium.
“Our destination markets, such as Asia, are very far away. Thus, having Chilean cherry varieties that have the quality required by the markets and the industry and long postharvest life is key for the sector,” stated Sergio Maureira, Manager of the Fruit Technology Consortium.
Source: simfruit.cl