Cherry production is changing, with smaller, more productive trees planted closer together allowing for faster growth and easier pruning and harvesting.
Furthermore, that change is leading to the development of new varieties that meet the requirements of modern growers.
That’s the view of Massimo Cristofori, commercial manager of Salvi Vivai, a leading Italian fruit breeding company based in Ferrara.
“There have been many changes in the market for this sector,” says Cristofori, “from new consumer tastes – with consumers more attentive to product sweetness – to the needs of growers, who are more and more savvy about rationalising costs and managing plants and crops.”
During a special convention due to take place on 25 February in Rocca di Vignola near Modena, various members of the Italian cherry business will discuss the potential of several new cherry varieties, including the trademarked Sweet series recently patented following 15 years of research at the University of Bologna.
“Research and innovation are a strong point for our company and also the sector in general,” said Silvia Salvi, partner in Salvi Vivai.
“Thanks to the collaborations established with the university and research centres, cherry production is literally being revolutionised to the notable advantage of growers, who are increasingly able to compete by delivering high-quality product in an environmentally friendly manner while limiting their running costs.”
She added: “The same intensive plantings that we are offering allow for a density of around 5,000-6,000 plants per hectare, with dwarf rootstocks that allow you to use nets to protect against hail, rain and insects, as well as creating better efficiency in chemical treatment that greatly reduces the environmental impact.”
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