In the heart of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, cherimoya production has faced unprecedented challenges due to climate change, which has compromised natural fruiting and significantly reduced agricultural yields.
Manual effort in combating productivity decline
To counter the shortage of pollinators and the sudden variations in temperature and precipitation, the Office of Engineering and Agricultural Biosafety Services (GESBA) has implemented manual pollination of cherimoya trees. The technique, involving direct pollen transfer between flowers, ensures fertilization and regular fruit development, replicating methods already used in regions like Granada and Málaga.
A DOP heritage at risk
The cherimoya of Madeira, distinguished with Protected Designation of Origin since 2000, has a centuries-old agricultural tradition and is adapted to the unique conditions of the insular soil and climate. The manual intervention is an emergency measure to preserve the quality and volume of a crop of great economic and cultural relevance to the region.
Regional strategies and future perspectives
This initiative is part of a broader set of regional strategic plans, including technical workshops, research programs, and farmer training. Recently, knowledge-sharing sessions took place at the Agricultural School of Madeira in São Vicente to promote the adoption of best practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cherimoya culture.
With this technical response, Madeira reinforces the link between adaptation to climate change and the preservation of agricultural heritage, pointing to a future in which manual intervention remains essential to maintaining the vitality of endemic crops such as cherimoya.
