Chilean fruit trees may lose productivity without visible damage, expert warns

A fruit tree may look healthy while producing well below its potential. Chilean agroclimatologist Fernando Santibáñez has warned that increasingly dry air, temperature fluctuations and extreme weather events can affect fruit production before visible damage appears, according to Frutas de Chile.

Dry air and photosynthesis

One of the main risks is high vapour pressure deficit, an indicator of atmospheric dryness. When the air becomes excessively dry, plants close their stomata to limit water loss. This reduces photosynthesis and can restrict fruit growth and development.

Temperature changes and fruit set

Santibáñez also highlighted the effects of sudden temperature changes during flowering and fruit set. Several hot days followed by colder weather may cause trees to shed developing fruit. Warm, dry winds from Argentina pose a particular threat to cherry production.

Prolonged exposure to stressful conditions can further reduce productivity. The specialist explained that a season with approximately 400 hours of heat stress can leave plants operating well below their optimal photosynthetic capacity for a substantial period.

Increased humidity and rainfall during sensitive growing stages may also favour fungal diseases and fruit decay, creating additional problems for storage and long-distance exports.

Monitoring and adaptation

Santibáñez recommended more systematic monitoring of orchard conditions, including temperature, atmospheric dryness and plant responses. These records could help growers determine when to adjust irrigation, introduce shading or cooling, or use other measures to reduce stress.

He added that Chile still benefits from the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean and the Humboldt Current, although these advantages do not eliminate the growing risks to fruit production.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl