Cherry Production Research Articles

Polyphenol patterns to trace sweet (Prunus avium) and tart (Prunus cerasus) varieties in cherry jam.

The aim of this work was to assess whether the characteristic polyphenol traits of cherry biotypes persisted in thermally processed cherry products, such as jam. Thus, the RP-HPLC-diode array detector profiles of both colorless polyphenols and anthocyanins from three cherry varieties (two sweet and one tart cherry) were compared with those of low-sugar jam sourced from the same cultivars. Individual components were characterized by mass spectrometry. The total phenolic and total anthocyanin content as well as the radical scavenging potential (residual 75-91, 88-91 and 73-75%, respectively) were only slightly reduced by deep thermal treatments. Apart from the interconversion among the isomers of chlorogenic acid, the profile of both colorless polyphenols and anthocyanins substantially survived the jam manufacturing under conventional temperature-time regimen (80°C, 1h). The species- and cultivar-specific polyphenol molecular asset, especially the anthocyanin pattern, has potential to be monitored for traceability purpose, aimed to the varietal assessment of cherry biotypes used for producing jam.

Sweet cherry growing in Turkey – a brief overview

The sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is native to some parts of northern Turkey. Turkey is the leading worldwide cherry producer and exporter, followed by USA. Sweet cherry is grown in the Aegean, Marmara, Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions in Turkey. Despite the recent growing interest in high density planting cherry orchards, cherry production is still carried out by using predominantly traditional methods with tall trees and local cultivars, without regular training, pruning and modern irrigation systems. The Turkish sweet cherry industry mainly relies on '0900 Ziraat' cultivar, known as the export cherry in Turkey. Turkey has a lot of valuable cherry gene resources because northern Anatolia is a center of origin. In Turkey, the most widely used rootstock is mazzard seedlings followed by 'Mahaleb'. Recently, modern orchards with high density have been established using the new cultivars, rootstocks, training systems and growing techniques. It seems that Turkey is changing from conventional to modern cherry production and will continue to be a leader in cherry production in the world.

Overhead arbor tree shape affects tree development and increases fruit yields in sweet cherry

We evaluated different shapes of sweet cherry trees for their effects on cherry production, and tree development. The tree shapes were a palmette shape (4×7 m), a Y-palmette shape (7×4 m), an open-vase shape (5×4 m), and an overhead arbor shape (6×5 m). After inducing branches on trees of each shape in the first 3 years, tree growth, fruit production, flower bud formation, and labor hours to shape trees were assessed after seven years. The number of new branches was much higher in the overhead arbor shape (10,666 10 a-1) than in the palmette shape (2,867 10 a-1), the Y-palmette shape (6,178 10 a-1), and the open-vase shape (7,250 10 a-1). The average length of new branches was much smaller in the overhead arbor shape (39.6 cm) than in the palmette shape (55.5 cm), the Y-palmette shape (60.6 cm), and the open vase shape (44.0 cm). The results indicate that increasing numbers and decreasing length of new branches are related to tree shape of sweet cherry. Fruit yields were higher 1.86-3.15 times with the overhead arbor shape (916 kg 10 a-1) than with the palmette shape (291 kg 10 a-1), the Y-palmette shape (493 kg 10 a-1), and the open-vase shape (478 kg 10 a-1). A similar trend was observed among the four shapes in the levels of flower bud formation. The lowest amount of labor time was required for developing the open-vase shape (21.9 h 10 a-1) because new branches were not induced artificially in this shape, while the maximum labor time was required to develop overhead arbor shape (47.2 h 10 a-1). The study demonstrated that the overhead arbor shape has potential for small farmers in South Korea.

High tunnel production systems improve yields and fruit size of sweet cherry

Intensive sweet cherry production in tunnel covered orchard systems offer an advantage of reducing rain-induced fruit cracking. In May 2005 four Haygrove multibay tunnel systems were installed on a gentle slope at the experimental farm at Bioforsk Ullensvang, western Norway. In these tunnels, feathered 1-year-old sweet cherry 'Sweetheart'/Colt trees were planted with two rows at a spacing of 2A—4 m in each tunnel. Each tunnel was split into two halves and covered from the end of April to beginning of September with one of two different plastic covers, having different light spectral transmittance; Luminance THB film (absorbing infrared light) and traditional Visqueen clear UV polythene film. Climatic parameters were monitored inside and outside the tunnels from the beginning of May to the beginning of September each year and yield data and fruit quality parameters were recorded. In 2009, from May 7 to September 16 the average temperature measured outside the tunnels was 14.3°C. Temperatures exceed 25°C only on two days. Temperatures inside the tunnels were 0.3°C higher on average during the entire season but exceeded 30°C on the same two hot days. Temperatures under the Luminance film were slightly lower compared to the clear film and especially reduced the temperature build up on sunny days. The harvest period was the second half of August. Average yield tree-1 was 8.8 kg (11 t ha-1) in the fourth leaf and 18.8 kg (23.5 t ha-1) fifth leaf. There were no yield differences between the two different films. Fruit size measurements found that 80% of the fruits were larger than 30 mm in diameter in the fourth leaf and 51% in the fifth leaf. Total soluble solid content was generally high (17-18%) and no significant differences were found between the different films.

Nets and covers to protect cherry trees from rain and insects

Rain and insects (Rhagoletis cerasi, Drosophila suzukii, wasps) are constant threats to high quality cherry production. In addition, trees can be killed by goat moth (Cossus) or flatheaded woodborer (Capnodis tenebrionis). Reduced use of chemicals and lack of efficacy also hinder control of Cossus and Capnodis. In order to reduce risks caused by these factors and to consistently produce high-quality cherries, we have studied nets of various mesh sizes and structures. For two years we tested the efficacy of a fully-protected orchard by using nets and covers, and in 2013 we tested row-by-row protection.

Preliminary results of sweet cherry (Prunus aviumL.) collection in Jumilla, Murcia, Spain

In the Region of Murcia (Spain), the interest on sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is increasing, due to our Mediterranean climate which allows us to obtain a profitable sweet cherry production. The behaviour of 69 cultivars was compared in a collection located in Jumilla, between 2011 and 2012. Fruit quality parameters as fruit size, sugar content and susceptibility to cracking were recorded for each cultivar. Phenological traits such flowering period, harvesting period and harvest date were taken. Productivity, number of clusters in 25 cm of branch and number of buds in each cluster were recorded. Significant differences among cultivars were detected in this period of study. The first cultivar to flower was 'Cristobalina' (March 3) and the last one was 'Hudson' (April 2). The interval of days between the flowering and the harvest time was different for all the cultivars and vary between 25 days for 'Primulat' and 65 days for 'Sweetheart'. 'Cristobalina' was the first to harvest and the last one was 'Summerland' The lowest production was measured in 'Big Lory' with 0.6 kg tree-1, the medium production was 8.2 kg tree-1 in 'Prime Giant' and the maximum was 'Sylvia' with 27.5 kg tree-1. The biggest size was recorded on 'Early Lory' (30 mm) and the lowest one on 'Cristobalina' (20 mm).

Evaluation of the growing and fruit bearing characteristics of the ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry cultivar grafted on rootstocks with different vigor

Sweet cherry is currently considered as a fruit with high interests. The amount of the produced yield is well saleable in the world and also in Hungary year by year, moreover often there is a shortage with the high quality fruits. Researches with the sweet cherry production focus on the intensity growing all over the world, namely the realization of producing with small trees ensuring high quality and quantity. In our examinations ’Lapins’ sweet cherry cultivar was evaluated grafted on rootstocks with different vigor (Gisela 5, Gisela 6, Colt) at the University of Debrecen, Pallag Experimental Station. According to our results trees grafted on Colt rootstock can be described with very low yields due to the excessive high vigor. Trees with Gisela 5 and Gisela 6 rootstocks showed excessive high productivity, as size of the fruits did not reach the required values.

Impact of Prolonged Absence of Low Temperature on Adult Eclosion Patterns of Western Cherry Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens (Curran) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a serious pest of cherries (Prunus spp.) in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Previous research suggests that R. indifferens is unlikely to establish in commercial cherry production areas in California and in tropical export markets because cold temperatures, below 5 °C, in those regions appear insufficient to complete diapause. However, it is unclear how prolonged absence of cold exposure affects diapause termination in R. indifferens. Here, we examined this question by exposing R. indifferens pupae for 40 wk to simulated temperate and tropical conditions of 23 or 26 °C, 40 or 80% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 or 12:12 (L:D) h. Eclosion patterns among fly groups in the four conditions did not differ. For all groups, fly eclosion from pupae not exposed to cold exhibited a bimodal distribution. The first major peak, comprising 3.2% of the total fly emergence, occurred at 1-10 wk. The second major peak, comprising the remaining 96.8%, occurred at a mode of ∼30 wk. Based on responses to no cold and cold (3 ± 1.5 °C) exposures, there were three distinct pupal diapause groups: the first eclosion group was likely nondiapausing pupae; the second eclosion group was likely diapausing pupae; a third group that remained viable but did not produce adults after 40 wk may represent prolonged dormancy pupae. We suggest that eclosion of adults after prolonged absence of cold exposure needs to be incorporated into models for potential fly establishment in warm climates.

Carbon Footprint Assessment of Sweet Cherry Production: Hotspots and Improvement Options

Carbon Footprint Assessment of Sweet Cherry Production: Hotspots and Improvement Options

Phenotypic Characterization and Evaluation of European Cherry Collections: A Survey to Determine the Most Commonly used Descriptors

Standardization of descriptors and protocols is a precondition when aiming to harmonize characterization data records from different plant collections. Improved information on the accessions maintained at the European collections has been a priority target of the Prunus Working Group (WG) of the European Cooperative Programme for Genetic Resources network (ECPGR) since its establishment in 1983. Recently, in order to prioritize in the characterization of the Prunus spp. accessions, the Prunus WG began selecting a subset of descriptors (First Priority Descriptors, FPD) considered most informative, from the crop-specific descriptors published by International organizations such as Bioversity International (formerly IPGRI) [1] and UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) [16]. In 2013, a survey was carried out among the cherry collection holders, in the framework of the COST Action FA1104 'Sustainable production of high-quality cherries for the European market', to ascertain which descriptors, categories and scales were most in use for the evaluation and characterization of cherry cultivars in Europe [2]. Sixteen descriptors were routinely used by at least two-thirds of respondents (15 descriptors for sweet and 14 for sour/duke cherry), and deemed most effective in describing cherry accessions, based on the answers provided by 22 sweet cherry and 13 sour/duke cherry curators. This list of most used descriptors, relating to the phenology of blooming and harvesting, tree habit and vigor, fruit size, morphology and internal quality, are now under consideration by the Prunus WG for inclusion in the FPD list recommended for the characterization of the ECPGR cherry resources.

Economic Impact of the Introduction and Establishment of Drosophila suzukii on Sweet Cherry Production in Switzerland.

First detected in Switzerland in 2011, the invasive Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, has caused recurring costs for growers of berries and fruit. Recommended management approaches rely on a set of methods, tailored to suit crop requirements under the prevailing local conditions. Control of D. suzukii represents a substantial economic burden for growers, in terms of material, equipment, new infrastructure and extra labour. However, those growers who invest wisely to deliver unblemished produce are rewarded with high payoffs. We present insights from a growers’ survey conducted in 2015 and 2016 to gauge the impact of the introduction and establishment of D. suzukii on Swiss sweet cherry production. The surveyed growers (111 in 2015 and 298 in 2016) observed the recommended surveillance, sanitation and control measures. The use of insecticides (78% and 79% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) and the harvest of all fruits (93% and 59% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) were the most widespread methods used to reduce damage. Nearly one-third of the respondents set up enclosure nets. Our economic evaluation of different scenarios provides a quantitative indication of the potentially incurred costs. We argue for enhanced stakeholder involvement to raise the acceptance of integrated pest management practices, and to inform research and outreach by providing insights into the motivations and barriers to adoption.

基于NI Vision Assistant的樱桃缺陷检测方法

为了改善我国樱桃分选仍然主要由人工作业的现状，实现樱桃缺陷果自动筛选，提高樱桃生产效率。本实验结合现有的图像处理方法，设计了一套基于视觉处理软件NI Vision Assistant的樱桃缺陷检测装置。实验中首先利用图像采集系统获取樱桃图像，然后利用算法提取樱桃缺陷部分，最后将缺陷果位置信息发送给筛选机构，从而完成樱桃的缺陷检测与筛选。最后的实验结果表明，此筛选方法速度快，实验器械和方法较为简单，综合检测正确率也比较高，基本满足实际生产中缺陷樱桃的检测要求。 In order to improve the status of cherry sorting in China, the automatic screening of cherry fruit defects and the improvement of cherry production efficiency were mainly carried out. Combined with the existing image processing methods, this paper designed a set of cherry defect detection device based on visual processing software NI Vision Assistant. In this experiment, using image acquisition system to obtain the image and then the algorithm to extract the cherry fruit defect part; finally the defect location information is sent to the screening mechanism, so as to complete the detection and screening of defects of cherry. Finally, the experimental results show that the screening method is fast; the experimental instruments and methods are relatively simple; and the comprehensive detection accuracy is relatively high, which basically meets the requirements of the detection of defective cherries in actual production.

Ten years of studies on systems to modify sweet cherry production environments: retractable roofs, high tunnels, and rain-shelters

Ten years of studies on systems to modify sweet cherry production environments: retractable roofs, high tunnels, and rain-shelters

A model system for off-season sweet cherry production in northern China

A model system for off-season sweet cherry production in northern China

Identification and Characterization of 12 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Genes Implicated in Stress Responses in Cherry Rootstocks

Improving the poor resistance to environmental stress and the weak development of roots system in the cherry (Prunus) rootstock ‘Gisela 6’ (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) is of great importance for sustainable sweet cherry (Prunus avium) production. Although a stable genetic transformation system has been developed for ‘Gisela 6’ rootstock, there is little information on the identification of genes involved in stress resistance. Using the cherry rootstock cultivar Gisela 6, we identified a total of 12 novel mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes, designated PcMPKs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the PcMPKs could be divided into four groups, designated A, B, C, and D. In addition, an intron–exon structure analysis for the PcMPKs was conducted to help further understand the structure–function relationships within the cherry family. The expression profiles of PcMPKs in response to abiotic and biotic stresses were characterized using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Five PcMPKs (i.e., PcMPK4-1, PcMPK4-2, PcMPK3, PcMPK6, and PcMPK18) exhibited differential expression, and suggested their potential roles in plant responding to various stresses. This study provides the basis for further analysis on the physiological functions of PcMPKs in environmental tolerance in cherry rootstocks.

Integration of visible branch sections and cherry clusters for detecting cherry tree branches in dense foliage canopies

To minimise the demand for seasonal workers in sweet cherry production, there is a need to develop automated harvesting systems. The first step in automating a shake-and-catch type harvesting system is to develop a machine vision system for detecting tree branches and localising shaking points in those branches. In this study, an image processing algorithm was developed to detect branches of cherry trees using segmentation of branch and cherry pixels. Firstly, partially visible branch segments within the tree canopies were connected using morphological features of the segments to form whole branches. Then, the positions of cherry clusters in the canopy were used as an indication to detect branch sections that were occluded by cherries and leaves. Different cherry clusters were grouped together based on their spatial location and distance between them. Branch equations were then defined through those cherry clusters using minimum residual criteria. Overall, 93.8% branches were detected in a Y-trellis fruiting wall cherry orchard, with 55.0% of branches detected using only branch pixels and 38.8% additional branches detected using cherry clusters. The method resulted in a total of 12.4% of false positive detection. The results showed that branch detection accuracy can be substantially improved by integrating cherry location information with the location of segments of partially visible branches. This study has shown the potential of machine vision systems to detect cherry tree branches in full foliage season, which is highly promising for the development of automated sweet cherry harvesting systems.

Climate change effect on sour cherry production in Central Hungary

Consideration of the soil and climatic conditions and their expected changes is very important in planning of new orchards. This research focuses on the expected climatic conditions and opportunities of sour cherry production in Central Hungary in the periods of 2021–2050 and 2071–2100, compared to the base period of 1961–1990. Results show that in the near future the expected changes are mostly favourable for sour cherry production, the utility values are increasing in most of the subregions. By the end of the century the utility values show further increase in the formerly colder subregions. However, in some subregions the utility values slightly decrease because of the appearance of the extreme dry and warm year types, though their values remain at the level of the base period or even higher.

Factors affecting farmers’ decisions to participate in direct marketing: A case study of cherry growers in the Kemalpasa District of Izmir, Turkey

AbstractThe objective of this study is to explore the main factors that drive decisions of farmers to sell their products directly to consumers through farm direct marketing channels. A case study on cherry growers on the subject of direct marketing, which is one of the alternative marketing options in agricultural products marketing for farmers, is examined in this study. In addition, further suggestions are put forward on how to improve the use of direct marketing strategies by farmers in Turkey. An ordinal logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the effects of agricultural businesses and demographic features on the tendency of growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. According to these model results, the cherry farming experience of the growers, the size of the cherry orchard, the level of specialization in cherry production, and the gross margin per hectare for cherry production have a statistically significant impact on the tendency of the growers to choose direct marketing channels in cherry selling. In particular, the growers whose experience is more than 20 yr, the farms that are semi-specialized, the farms providing a gross margin of more than US$5506 ha−1, and the farms having a cherry orchard between 1 and 2 ha in size were determined to have more of a tendency for direct marketing. These results show that owners of medium-sized farms are more interested in direct marketing. According to the interviewed cherry growers, the most important factor limiting their participation in direct marketing is that there are no organizations that will help them meet their direct marketing goals and build direct marketing arrangements between themselves and their consumers.

Absolute quantification of Pru av 2 in sweet cherry fruit by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with the use of a stable isotope-labelled peptide

Pru av 2, a pathogenesis-related (PR) protein present in the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit, is the principal allergen of cherry and one of the chief causes of pollen food syndrome (oral allergy syndrome). In this study, a quantitative assay for this protein was developed with the use of the protein absolute quantification (AQUA) method, which consists of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) employing TGC[CAM]STDASGK[13C6,15N2], a stable isotope-labelled internal standard (SIIS) peptide. This assay gave a linear relationship (r2>0.99) in a concentration range (2.3–600fmol/μL), and the overall coefficient of variation (CV) for multiple tests was 14.6%. Thus, the contents of this allergenic protein in sweet cherry products could be determined using this assay. This assay should be valuable for allergological investigations of Pru av 2 in sweet cherry and detection of protein contamination in foods.

Economic impacts of bird damage and management in U.S. sweet cherry production

Bird damage is a common and costly problem for fruit producers, who try to limit damage by using management techniques. This analysis used survey data from producers in five U.S. states to estimate bird damage to sweet cherry (Prunus avium) crops with and without the use of bird management. A partial equilibrium model was applied to the data to estimate the change in the marginal cost of production resulting from disuse of bird management. The model incorporates both decreased yield and elimination of management costs. A welfare analysis was conducted with short and long run supply elasticities derived from time-series data using geometric distributed lags. With no bird management, total surplus in the United States decreases by about $185 to $238 million in the short run and $21 to $29 million in the long run, indicating that bird management has a large impact on cherry production and associated market outcomes, including price and consumption.