As the cherry season has finished in the early areas, is drawing to a close in some regions, and is about to start in the later areas, one thing stands out: fewer cherries have been on display this season in retail outlets.
Some supermarkets did not have cherries on display during the early weeks of the season, and during the middle of the season, some outlets had one or two cartons ticketed at a price higher than normal for that time of year.
Demand for export cherries has been strong—probably influenced by a smaller that normal crop in South America.
It will be interesting when our final production figures are available for the season. I believe they will demonstrate to us the seriousness of the problem with declining yields.
In earlier issues of this column I referred to conditions that were likely to influence a reduced crop in some regions. I highlighted a lack of chill hours, warmer windy weather during blossom, and frost damage—all of which adversely affect viable fruit set.
As each cherry growing state conducts a review of the season, it will be important (in my opinion) to focus on the key factors that may have resulted in the light crop.
Each region may have experienced a micro-climate that produced varying results and responses across a range of varieties. Much could be learned from changes in climate if production data became freely available.
It will be important to learn as much as possible from the 2013–14 cherry season in order to better understand what is happening should similar conditions occur more frequently in the future.
The horticultural science involved might not be too complicated, but responses to the problems may take longer to be embraced. For example, planting a percentage of varieties that require fewer chill hours; or selecting rootstocks that induce more prolific bearing; or improving frost control in low lying areas.
Growers invest heavily in their production models—if change is happening now, can we respond quickly enough to keep up with the changing conditions? Can we remain productive and economically viable if the conditions experienced this season occur once every five years?
Get involved with your state association when it conducts the end of season review, and have your say. It is important to your business and your industry that you do.
See this article in Tree Fruit December 2013
