Chile is getting closer to developing its own cherry varieties
The INIA-Biofrutales Cherry Genetic Improvement Program is getting closer and closer to obtaining the first cherry varieties that are 100% developed in Chile. The results of the investigation, which began in 2010, were presented to the Minister of Agriculture Antonio Walker, and to the regional authorities of CORFO, Agriculture, and the Economy.
At the moment, the program has 16 candidate selections to become new varieties. The most outstanding variety so far is Selection 21, a bicolor variety of the Rainier typology, but firmer, with a good postharvest and less cold requirement, which would allow producing it in areas further north, such as Valparaiso and Coquimbo, and could strengthen the offer of this varietal group in the Chinese market.