El Niño raises weather risks for Chile’s cherry and blueberry season

Chile’s cherry and blueberry growers may face a more unstable season as El Niño brings a higher risk of intense rain, hail and unusual spring heat, according to Fernando Santibáñez, professor at the University of Chile and doctor in Bioclimatology.

Santibáñez said El Niño could arrive between June and July, with Pacific waters about 2°C warmer than normal. He described the expected event as strong, though not extreme.

The main concern is weather disruption during flowering and fruit set. Late spring rains could raise the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases, while hail may damage fruit at sensitive stages. Cherries are seen as especially vulnerable, including to cracking, while blueberries are expected to tolerate rain better during flowering.

O’Higgins and Maule are considered the most exposed regions because of their high fruit production volumes. Santibáñez also noted that recent El Niño events have shifted further south, affecting areas from the Metropolitan Region to Los Lagos.

Growers were advised to keep rain covers closed from flowering onward, prepare calcium and anti-cracking products, delay pruning where possible, avoid early cyanamide applications and be cautious with thinning.

The phenomenon could last until the end of the year and may extend into February 2027, according to the projections cited by Santibáñez.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl