Cherries

According to the Sacramento County Crop & Livestock Report, harvested cherry acreage in Sacramento County greatly increased in 2009. Below are the stats for cherry production since 2006 in Sacramento County.

Year	Harvested Acres	Tons/ Acre	Total Tonnage	$/Ton	Total Value ($M)
2006	585	0.9	527	3,021	1.59
2007	598	2.8	1,674	1,991	3.33
2008	545	3.8	2,049	2,931	3.68
2009	1233	1.7	2,096	1,795	6.15
2010	1205	1.5	1,808	1,581	2.86

Important varieties include Bing, Coral Champagne, Garnett and Late Garnett, and Rainier. The main rootstock used in Sacramento County in recent years is Gisela 6, unlike in San Joaquin County orchards, where Mahaleb, Mazzard, and Colt are mostly used. Gisela 6 makes a desirable, semi-dwarf tree that begins bearing early in the life of the orchard, but it has a huge drawback - bacterial canker. Other rootstocks, such as Maxima 14 and Krymsk 6 may be suitable replacements for Gisela 6, but long-term studies and experience are needed to know for sure.

A rootstock and training system trial was started in Sacramento County in March 2010. It is an NC-140 (National Cooperator) rootstock trial, led by Greg Lang. I am cooperating on the local trial, which is being led by Joe Grant, UCCE San Joaquin County Farm Advisor. Click here or on the left for more information on the trial. Click here to see a cherry rootstock article from the Feb. 2012 Tree & Vine Newsletter.