Cultiva - Cherry Cracking
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. April showers bring May flowers, but for cherry growers, they can also bring a major challenge, cherry cracking. And that’s not good for marketable yields.
Thiago Moraes, North America Sales Manager for Cultiva, joins us once again. Welcome back. So, Thiago why is cherry cracking such a concern for growers?
• Cherry cracking is one of the biggest risks growers face, especially here in the PNW, where sweet cherries are exposed to frequent high-volume rain events.
• When rain or high humidity saturates the fruit, the skin can’t expand fast enough, causing it to split.
• Cracked cherries are unmarketable, leading to significant yield losses, impacting the grower’s bottom line.
How does Parka help protect cherries from cracking?
• Parka reinforces the fruit’s natural cuticle, improving its elasticity and water resistance to remove moisture from the fruit’s surface.
• This helps cherries better withstand sudden moisture spikes, reducing the risk of cracking.
So, Thiago, what’s your advice for growers looking to be proactive when managing cherry cracking this season?
• The key is prevention. Once cherries crack, there’s no way to reverse the damage.
• We recommend applying Parka at shuck fall or before major rain events and maintaining coverage throughout the season for optimal protection.
• This proactive approach helps growers protect fruit quality and maximize their marketable yields.
Well, thanks again Thiago! And remember, visit
www.cultiva.com or contact your local sales rep.
