Cherry Cracking Reduction Strategies in Catalonia

Cherry cultivation in Catalonia faces major challenges due to high perishability and sensitivity to environmental conditions, especially excessive rainfall before harvest, which causes rain-induced cracking—the primary cause of crop loss worldwide. Climate change is expected to increase heavy precipitation events, worsening cracking. Current cherry varieties offer little tolerance, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This project, Crackcireza, aims to reduce cracking through integrated strategies: rain protection nets, soil and cover crop management, and epidermal treatments. The research develops a tailored action protocol to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit ratios under local conditions, focusing on improving yield, quality, and sustainability in cherry production.