As an ambassador for our country to the world, cherries are a fruit of great commercial value in various regions of the world. A fundamental task for the efficient and profitable management of this crop is fruit counting, an agronomic technique that allows estimating the tree’s fruit load for decision-making at key stages of development.

This tool, although simple in concept, has a significant impact on management decision-making and the crop’s ultimate profitability.

What is fruit counting in cherry orchards?
It consists of directly quantifying the number of fruits present per tree. For an accurate representation, it is necessary to consider factors such as the spatial variability of the orchard and uniformity between plants. Therefore, it is extremely important that it be carried out under a strict protocol and with sufficient samples so that the average data is representative.

Today, in most fields in Chile, this count is done manually and, in some cases, using technologies such as computer vision or artificial intelligence imaging systems, which are still being validated for each specific case.

The key moments for this count are:
– Post-flowering/setting (beginning of fruit formation). Approximately 25-30 days after full flower.
– Post-thinning (if applicable).
– Pre-harvest

Importance of fruit counting

A. Yield estimation
One of the main benefits of fruit counting is that it allows for an early estimate of the orchard’s productive potential. This is essential for planning:

– Harvest logistics (personnel, supplies, transportation)
– Advance sales contracts
– Post-harvest handling and storage

B. Agronomic decision-making
Knowing the actual fruit load of each tree or plot allows for:

– Adjusting foliar fertilization and soil nutrition programs according to actual demand
– Deciding whether load adjustments are necessary to improve fruit size, quality, and condition
– Adjusting irrigation strategies according to the orchard’s actual demand

C. Evaluating management practices
Counting also functions as a feedback tool for:

– Calculating fruit set (flower-to-fruit ratio)
– Impact of bee and pollination management
– Assessing damage from frost, pests, or diseases

Impact on cherry tree management and productivity
Fruit counting not only allows for better yield prediction but also directly impacts fruit quality and orchard profitability. Management without this information can lead to:

– Overproduction, which reduces fruit size and quality and negatively impacts the plants’ vegetative and reproductive expression.
– Underproduction, where the tree’s potential is not fully utilized, affecting the plants’ reproductive and vegetative expression.

With accurate counts, producers can adjust the balance between vegetative load and fruit load, a very important relationship to achieve:

– Larger-caliber fruit
– A higher percentage of exportable fruit
– Longer post-harvest life
– Reduced production alternation year after year

Accurate fruit counting allows for early yield estimation, optimizing orchard resources, improving fruit quality, and increasing profitability. In a highly competitive environment, coupled with the daily challenges posed by situations such as climate change, having accurate data becomes a strategic advantage for cherry producers.