Response of ‘Bing’ and ‘Lambert’ Sweet Cherry Fruit to Preharvest Calcium Chloride Applications

There was no reduction of surface pitting of sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.) or bruising in 7 trials over a 4-year period as a result of applications of CaCl 2 from 950, 1400, or 3800 mg Ca/liter in single or multiple applications from 1 to 6 weeks before harvest. Cherry fruit firmness was increased and fruit size was decreased by increasing the amount of Ca applied in 3 out of 7 trials. The time of application, from shuck stage to 1 week before harvest, was not critical.