More than 20 million fruit plants were marketed in 2019, with 26% of the total corresponding to cherry trees, 20% to table grapes, 15% to blueberries, 11% to European hazelnut and 6% to apple trees. These are some of the figures contained in the 5th Viveros Annual Report, whose information and conclusions were presented by Margarita Torres, in charge of Trade and Regulations of Viveros de Chile AGV, in a new #miercolesonline organized by Fedefruta.
The general manager of Viveros de Chile AGV, Maritrini Lapuente, said that the Viveros Annual Report has become a true thermometer of the situation of varietal replacement in Chile. “The publication of the 5th Viveros Annual Report, an initiative launched in 2011 with the publication of its first edition, with Jorge Valenzuela as president of AGV (today president of Fedefruta), has become a very important event for our sector. It reports on the sale of plants by variety and rootstock, and each time contains a new map of the national fruit production and exports.”
The leader said that AGV was created in 99 and currently brings together more than 50 nursery professionals, who mostly propagate fruit and horticultural species representing approximately 85% of national sales and 95% of plant exports. "Moreover, close to 100% of the genetic programs underway in Chile are carried out by one of our partner nurseries," he said.
During the activity, Margarita Torres analyzed the specific data for the main species, revealing the significant varietal replacement being implemented for some fruit trees such as apple trees, nectarines, blueberries, European hazelnut and especially table grapes. In the latter's case, 95% of the plants marketed in 2019 were of protected varieties from different genetic improvement programs worldwide.
"The data and trends are conclusive in showing how varietal replacement is a necessity for fruit productivity and competitiveness. This applies not only to varieties, but also to clonal rootstocks, which make it possible to set up new plantations with healthier, higher quality plants. This allows for modern fruit growing that is more sustainable and suited to meet the new global requirements,” said Torres.
At the end, Margarita Torres invited attendees to consult the detailed information of the 2020 Viveros Annual Report, available for download at www.viverosdechile.cl
