Valle Arriba SpA, the agricultural company located in the area of Tabalí, Ovalle, in the region of Coquimbo, has started a new cherry production cycle, applying hydrogenated cyanamide to break dormancy in its orchards. This step marks the beginning of what's expected to be a fruitful season thanks to the fulfillment of cold requirements, in contrast to the previous season.
According to Jorge Astudillo, an advisor and producer of the region, the higher accumulation of cold this year bodes well for the 2024/25 season. He also said the recent rains had improved soil moisture, essential for the optimal growth of cherries in the Limarí Valley.
Valle Arriba, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), carefully evaluates the crops' cold requirements, basing its agricultural practices on scientific data to effectively adapt to climate variations. Last season, Valle Arriba produced the earliest commercial cherries in Chile, starting its harvest on October 13.
Harvest projections for the 2024/25 season are optimistic, based on a detailed statistical analysis of last decade's yields and current favorable weather conditions. This season, all cherry varieties in the valley have high productive potential because they've accumulated enough cold hours and the humidity conditions have been ideal.
Unlike other areas more to the center and south of Chile, producers in the region of Coquimbo have already begun applying cyanamide because the weather favors this activity. The region is expected to have above-normal temperatures in the July-August-September quarter, which contrasts with the colder conditions forecast for the center and south of the country.
The La Niña phenomenon, which implies a drier climate and could last up to three years, represents an additional challenge. However, the practices and strategies implemented by Valle Arriba SpA and other producers in the Coquimbo region suggest an effective adaptation and a promising outlook for the next cherry season.
Source: https://redagricola.com