Caracterización agronómica de preselecciones de cerezos (Prunus avium L.) obtenidas por el programa de mejoramiento genético de cerezos perteneciente al Consorcio Tecnologico de la Fruta

Tesis (Magister en Fisiología y Producción Vegetal)--Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2024

The agronomic characterization of the 23 preselections obtained from the cherry tree genetic improvement program allows for efficient segregation and selection of individuals with ideal qualities to become a new Chilean variety. Initially, a productive characterization of the preselections was conducted, quantifying the number of spurs per linear meter of main branch, the average number of floral buds per spur, the average number of flowers per spur, the number of fruit sets between 5-10 millimeters, the harvested fruits, and their size. Phenology was recorded weekly from the swollen bud stage until harvest, with emphasis on the beginning of bloom, full bloom, fruit set, and harvest date. Additionally, in August, 1% hydrogenated cyanamide was applied to an individual to analyze its response to the endodormancy realese traitment. The Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile S.A (ASOEX S.A) collaborated with the exporter Ranco Cherries to assist in the harvest and post-harvest evaluation of the fruit, measuring quality components such as size, firmness, soluble solids, and their response to postharvest storage. In the postharvest laboratory of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, certain preselections were tested, based on fruit availability, for induced pitting susceptibility. The productivity components showed significant differences in their means for the six variables studied. Phenology and harvest data were recorded from week 46 to week 50 of the fruit calendar. Additionally, the chilling requirement to reach the first swollen bud stage, the degree days accumulated in the main phenological stages until harvest, the cycle length of the preselections, and the fruit growth curves were plotted. Finally, pitting susceptibilities, fruit quality parameters, and postharvest performance were documented.