Over 150 operators from all over Italy and abroad discussed cherries during the Open Day held at Vivai F.lli Zanzi on 12th June 2018. People tend to prefer big cherries that are sweet and crunchy.
"Among the tested varieties, Royal Helen proved to be very interesting. Fruits are big, with high Brix levels and they are crunchy. In addition, they are tolerant to cracking," explained Giovanni Zanzi.
Some varieties are very sensitive to cracking, while the trend today is to select cultivars that are more tolerant. However there is still no variety that is fully tolerant.
"Anti-rain nets help a lot, especially since rain in proximity to harvesting can also cause cracking problems. We recommend installing anti-rain and anti-hail nets, which are also useful against insects and birds."
A few producers reported that, if there are no nets, they use an (empty) atomiser. It's a simple system to eliminate water from the surface of the fruits. It helps, but it's no permanent solution.
Contacts:Vivai F.lli Zanzi
Via del Gorgo 137
Loc. Gorgo di Fossanova San Marco
44124 Ferrara
Tel.: +39 (0)532 719072
Email: vivaizanzi@vivaizanzi.it
Web: www.vivaizanzi.it