watermelon

Cherry

Cherry cultivation (Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus) is an important agricultural activity due to the high commercial value of its fruits. Success in growing cherry trees depends on understanding and applying appropriate cultural practices adapted to the specific needs of this fruit tree. The cherry is a fruit tree or shrub grown for fresh consumption and processing. Its fruits are highly nutritional and rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

Botanical characteristics

Cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae and the genus Prunus. There are two main species: the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). The primary varieties of sweet cherries are Bing, Lambert, and Rainier, while the primary varieties of tart cherries are Montmorency and Morello.

Physiological characteristics

Cherries require a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. They need a period of cold (800-1200 hours at temperatures below 7°C) to break the buds’ dormancy and achieve flowering. Cherries also require sufficient nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to produce healthy plants with high-quality fruit.

Morphological characteristics

The root system of cherry trees is deep and extensive, allowing them to absorb water and nutrients from the deep soil layers. Cherry stems are woody and complex, with many branches. The height of the trees varies from 5 to 10 meters, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The leaves are large, oval, slightly serrated, and bright green. They play a crucial role in photosynthesis and plant growth.

Reproductive characteristics

The flowers of cherry trees are white or pink, appear in spring before the leaves develop, and are hermaphroditic. Pollination is carried out mainly by bees, making their presence essential for successful fruiting. Cherry fruits are drupes, characterized by flesh that contains a rigid core. The fruit ripens between May and July, depending on the variety and the growing area. The color of the fruit varies from red and black to yellow, depending on the array. The seeds are large and complex, contained in the kernel of the fruit, and used for plant reproduction.

Climate requirements

Cherry cultivation requires specific climatic conditions to achieve high yields and quality fruit.

Temperature

Cherries thrive best in temperate climatic conditions. They require a cold winter to induce flowering, with temperatures below 7°C for 800-1200 hours. Spring should be mild, avoiding frosts that can destroy the flowers. Temperatures below -2°C during flowering can damage flowers. Temperatures above 30°C during fruit development can affect fruit quality and lead to cracking.

Rainfall

Cherries require moderate rainfall, approximately 600–800 mm per year, to grow properly. Excessive rain during the flowering period can negatively impact fruit setting. Relative humidity should be moderate.

Sunlight

Cherries require full sunlight for optimal growth and development. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Good sunlight exposure enhances photosynthesis, contributing to the production of healthy and tasty fruit. It also helps reduce disease.

Wind

Mild winds are desirable as they help reduce leaf moisture and the risk of fungal diseases. Strong winds can cause physical damage to trees, such as broken shoots and the shedding of flowers and fruit. Windbreaks can protect trees from damage.

Moisture

Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases, while insufficient humidity can cause dehydration and stress in plants.

Soil Requirements

The selection of suitable soil and its proper preparation are crucial to the success of cherry growing. The following section outlines detailed soil requirements and management procedures. Cherries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are ideal for this purpose. The soil must be well-aerated, allowing free water drainage to avoid excessive moisture and root rot. Heavy clay soils with poor drainage are unsuitable due to the drainage problems and water accumulation they cause, which can lead to root rot and the development of diseases.

Cherries prefer soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. You can add lime to raise the pH if it’s too low (acidic). If the pH is too high (alkaline), you can add sulfur to lower it.

Soil preparation

Cultivation and tillage: To loosen and aerate the soil, it should be cultivated to a depth of 20-30 cm. Tillage helps break up clods and smooth the soil’s surface.

Fertilization: Basic fertilization before planting includes applying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The quantities of nutrients must be determined based on soil diagnostic analyses. Fertilizers can be used through drip irrigation or by incorporating granular fertilizers into the soil before planting.

Basic Fertilization

Proper basal fertilization is critical for the healthy growth and high yield of cherry trees. Plants require different amounts of nutrients, as each one plays a specific role in their development.

  • Nitrogen (N)

    Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll synthesis, leaf growth, and plant germination. It is typically applied in doses throughout the growing season, with emphasis on periods of vigorous germination and fruiting.

  • Phosphorus (P)

    Phosphorus is vital for root development, flowering, and fruiting. It is mainly applied before planting and at the beginning of the growing season.

  • Potassium (K)

    Potassium helps regulate plant water, enhances disease resistance, and improves fruit quality. It is mainly applied during fruit growth to improve quality and yield.

  • Calcium (Ca)

    Calcium is essential for cell wall growth and preventing blossom end rot and fruit rot. Calcium is usually applied as calcium sulfate or calcium nitrate, which can be used in soil or through foliar fertilization.

  • Magnesium (Mg)

    Magnesium is typically applied as magnesium sulfate and can be added to the soil or applied through foliar sprays.

  • Sulfur (S)

    Plants synthesize amino acids and proteins using sulfur, which growers can apply as ammonium or potassium sulfate.

  • Micronutrients

    Zinc (Zn) is essential for the synthesis of enzymes and the regulation of growth. Cell wall development and flowering require boron (B). Iron (Fe) is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis and respiration. Copper (Cu) is vital for cell wall growth and defense against disease.

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Foliar applications

Foliar fertilization in cherries is an effective practice that quickly delivers nutrients directly to the leaves. It helps to correct deficiencies and immediately enhances fruit growth and production. The advantages of foliar fertilization are immediate nutrient uptake and improved plant resistance to disease and environmental stresses.

The elements for foliar applications are

  • Nitrogen (N) is essential during active leaf and shoot growth, especially in spring.
  • Phosphorus (P) is essential for enhancing fruit sets during the flowering stage.
  • Potassium (K) improves fruit quality and tree hardiness during fruit development.
  • Magnesium (Mg) is essential during the period of intense photosynthesis.
  • Micronutrients (Zn, Mn, B, Fe) are essential during active leaf development and flowering.

The best times for foliar application are early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is lower and the humidity is higher, avoiding times of intense sunshine.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation is a modern plant nutrition technique used in cherry cultivation, ensuring targeted fertilizer delivery through the irrigation system. By combining irrigation with the supply of water-soluble nutrients, this method enhances fertilization efficiency and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
Growers must adjust the types of fertilizers during critical stages, such as flowering, fruit set, and ripening, to ensure optimal growth. They apply nitrogen (N) and boron (B) to support the fruit set, while using potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) to enhance cherry size, flavor, and post-harvest storability.
The use of drip irrigation in cherry trees reduces nutrient losses in the subsoil, accurately controls fertilizer dosage, and enhances precision farming. For optimal results, proper soil and leaf analysis, as well as the use of high-quality irrigation water, are required.

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The doses and growth stages mentioned are indicative and are always adjusted according to the recommendations of the agricultural consultant. Because rational fertilization is always assessed in relation to:

  • Expected yield
  • Soil characteristics
  • Planting density
  • Environmental conditions
  • Growth stage
  • Plant vigor
  • Cultivation duration
  • Hybrid

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