Fuente: ISHS (International Society for Horticultural Science) Post date: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Author:
ISHS Secretariat

In recent years, Chile has experienced significant shifts in climate, with increasing temperatures and reduced rainfall. These climatic changes have negatively impacted both the quality and quantity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) yields by disrupting key physiological processes such as flower induction and differentiation, thereby reducing crop productivity. Chilean sweet cherry cultivars, notably ‘SweetHeart’ and ‘Santina’, are especially vulnerable to drought and heat stress, making adaptation strategies vital to sustain production and economic viability. To address these challenges, research has turned to the application of phytohormones – plant growth regulators such as abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) – to enhance the resilience of cherry trees under abiotic stress conditions. Experiments were conducted under both controlled conditions and in orchards to evaluate the effects of these substances on cherry plant tolerance to high temperatures and water deficits. The key findings indicate that ABA effectively reduces stomatal conductance, helping the plant to remain in a low-activity, water-conserving state during stress. This enhances drought tolerance by minimizing water loss and maintaining turgor pressure, which supports better growth and fruit quality. SA was found to maintain stress tolerance levels comparable to ABA but also sustained higher photosynthetic rates and greater stomatal conductance, potentially supporting growth and productivity under moderate stress. On the other hand, MeJA did not produce significant improvements in stress tolerance, with physiological responses similar to untreated control plants. The research highlights the importance of integrating phytohormones, particularly ABA and SA, into agronomic practices such as fertigation or foliar spraying to mitigate the effects of climate change on cherry production. While ABA and SA show promise as effective mitigation tools, further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms through which these substances enhance stress tolerance and yield. Advancing this knowledge is crucial for developing robust, science-based strategies that enable Chilean cherry growers to adapt to and thrive in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Francisco J. Maldonado González won the ISHS Young Minds Award for the best oral presentation at the X International Cherry Symposium in USA in June 2025.
Francisco J. Maldonado González, Laboratory of Precision Agriculture and Stress Physiology, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad Talca, Avenida Lircay, Talca, PO: 3460000, Chile, e-mail: francisco.maldonado@utalca.cl
The article is available in Chronica HorticulturaeTags: sweet cherryCategories: Young Minds Award Winners