Cherry Cracking - Cultiva

Bob Larson

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Cherry growers across the Pacific Northwest are once again watching the weather closely as they head into this critical stretch of the season.

With the chance of spring rains, cherry cracking remains one of the biggest threats to packout and profitability.

I asked Cultiva’s North American Sales Manager, Thiago Moraes, where the greatest risk for environmental stress in cherries is right now?

• Right now, fruit is rapidly sizing, making it more susceptible to environmental stress.

• The biggest risk window is the stretch before harvest, when the cuticle is under the most strain.

• Even small rain events, something growers have seen more of in recent seasons, can trigger cracking.

• We’ve seen years in the PNW where a single rain event wiped out a significant portion of premium fruit.

• This is really the moment where the crop’s value is either protected — or lost.

So, Thiago, why is this issue especially challenging in today’s environment??

• Growers are facing tighter margins where inputs, labor, and logistics costs are all up

• That means growers can’t afford to lose fruit at the finish line

• There’s also less predictability in weather patterns.

• So, protecting fruit quality and packout is more important than ever.

What can growers do to reduce that risk and protect cherry quality?

• Focus on strengthening and protecting the cuticle ahead of rain events. Strengthening the cuticle is key during this rapid growth phase

• Parka® supplements the cuticle of the cherry and reinforces the fruit’s natural protective layer by forming a hydrophobic barrier that expands along with the developing fruit.

• This added layer not only provides hydrophobicity that repels excess moisture from the fruit surface, but it also seals microcracks before they can lead to visible cracking.

• Growers using this approach are seeing more consistent packout.

Well, thanks again Thiago! If you’ve got questions, visit www.cultiva.com or contact your local Cultiva sales rep.