The cherry is one of the most attractive fruit crops in the Alpine region, but also one of the riskiest. Increasingly frequent weather changes – sunshine followed by sudden rain – lead to fruit cracking, which can reduce yields by up to 50%. How do fruit growers in the Alpine countries cope with this problem?
Main challenges
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Cracking occurs when the fruit suddenly absorbs water through the skin or roots, leading to uneven pressure.
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The greatest risk is in the stage just before harvest, when fruits gain weight.
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The consequences are not only a loss of quality but also a drop in purchase price.
Practical solutions
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Covers and tunnels: more and more orchards in Austria and Switzerland are equipped with special covers that protect against rain while still allowing sunlight.
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Rain sprinklers: micro-sprinkling with fine droplets that balance moisture on the fruit and reduce the risk of cracking.
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Variety selection: in Slovenia and northern Italy, growers choose varieties more resistant to cracking, such as Kordia and Regina.
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Agrotechnical measures: controlled irrigation and balanced fertilization to reduce fluctuations in the water content of the fruit.
Although climate change exacerbates the problem of cherry cracking, a combination of modern technologies and traditional experience can significantly reduce losses. In the Alpine region, where the challenges of sun and rain meet, fruit growers show that solutions can be found in innovation and cooperation.
