Events

Infoday 2

Soft fruit production within a global context: Challenges and constraints in the cultivation of strawberry and raspberry towards enhanced yield efficiency

Venue: I, Tassos Papadopoulos Building, Cyprus University of Technology, Themidos & Ifigeneias corner, Limassol

Date: Tuesday 18 February 2025, 17:00-21:00

Attendees: 60

Speakers:

Marco Butera

The blueberry fruit production within a global context: challenges and constrains

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) commercial cultivation is considered long term in comparison to other soft fruit investments. Therefore, when a grower or agronomist designs a new blueberry orchard, they need to justify establishment costs and generate adequate income at acceptable quantitative and qualitative levels for at least 10 to 15 years. To that extend, an orchard designed in 2024, planted in 2025 will still be in production in 2035 or 2040. Consequently, the agronomical investment must consider both depreciations, return of investment but also potential challenges of the world’s market in 15 years. Climate change was primarily a topic discussed by scientists and academics since the mid-1980’s, however it is now becoming harsh and real for everyone, especially people working in agriculture. The climate anomalies that in the past were only local events now are happening increasingly at global scale., According to climate change projections, high-chill zones will transition to mid-chill in 10 years, and many mid-chill areas will become low-chill. Eventually, low-chill regions will turn into no-chill areas. These changes will significantly affect production cycles and the global blueberry market in the coming years. The global spread in many blueberry areas also bring new pests: Drosophila suzukii and Scirtothrips dorsalis have already altered the mindset of several blueberry producers. Looking ahead, due to the global movement of plant material and the more suitable climate condition for some diseases due to the climate change, we may witness a global pressure of important diseases, such as Xylella fastidiosa, Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Mummy berry), or Popillia japonica. Economically, the massive expansion of new berry plantations by small and major blueberry players over the last 5 years will inevitably transform blueberries into an increasingly common commodity; this market evolution, coupled with climate change and the spread of new pests, will increase the complexity to achieve economic success for producers and investors. The challenges before us are immense and global, whereas the decision to make a blueberry orchard will need careful and professional design. This decision will need to be accommodated with serious contemplate on how the world will be like in 10 or 20 years. Only then the blueberry entrepreneur can make conscious and profitable decisions.

Tobias Bönisch

Berry Me, I Berry You – A Journey through the World of Raspberries

Raspberries – these vibrant, ruby-red fruits are far more than just a sweet delight. They symbolize nature, indulgence, and global connection. In this talk, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of a raspberry: from propagation, breeding, cultivation and care to harvest, cooling, and consumption – whether in a personal garden, through community initiatives like plant adoptions, or on sprawling plantations from Down Under to the northernmost regions. There is always a place for the beauty of this precious fruit. Raspberries are more than just a fruit – they are a story of passion, sustainability, and the joy of sharing nature’s treasures. Drawing from personal experiences, including a life shaped by the deep love for Raspberries this presentation combines insights into raspberry farming with a reflection on how these small fruits are a call to return to more mindful agricultural practices. As market demand for healthier, more natural produce grows, and climate change is an ongoing event to handle, it becomes clear that robust plant varieties and high end production systems might only be part of the solution. The real success lies in understanding your plants and being attentive to their needs. Long-term sustainability in raspberry farming cannot rely solely on chemical interventions. Instead, the focus must shift toward a systemic, protective approach that emphasizes prevention rather than reactive, curative methods. Join me as we celebrate the raspberry’s journey, its role in global agriculture, and its unique place in our hearts. From seedling to taste explosion – let's dive into the world of this most precious red diamond and discover how she can inspire big changes in the way we grow, nurture, and enjoy our food.

Φάνης Παπανικολόπουλος

Η καλλιέργειας της φράουλας: προκλήσεις και προοπτικές ανάπτυξης

Η Ελλάδα είναι μια από τις πιο σημαντικές ζώνες για πρώιμη παραγωγή φράουλας στην Ε.Ε. Το 2022/2023 καλλιεργήθηκαν 20000 στρέμματα με αξία προϊόντος περισσότερο από 150 εκατ. €. Παρόλο που διαθέτει συγκριτικά πλεονεκτήματα, στερείται δικών της ποικιλιών φράουλας. To υπάρχον μοντέλο παραγωγής βασίζεται σε διεθνείς ποικιλίες, τα χαρακτηριστικά των οποίων είναι προσαρμοσμένα στις απαιτήσεις των χωρών που αναπτύχθηκαν. To πρόγραμμα ανάπτυξης ποικιλιών της Berryplasma στοχεύει στη δημιουργία γενοτύπων φράουλας οι οποίοι να συνδυάζουν βελτιωμένα παραγωγικά χαρακτηριστικά (πρωιμότητα, μέγεθος καρπού, συνολική παραγωγή) και ποιοτικά χαρακτηριστικά όπως μετασυλλεκτική διάρκεια ζωής του καρπού και υψηλό % εμπορευσιμότητας. Στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος έχουν αναπτυχθεί 4 ποικιλίες, 3 Short day (Kallisti, Elektra and Phaedra) και 1 Day neutral (Aethra) απόλυτα προσαρμοσμένων στις συνθήκες την Νοτίου Ευρώπης συνδυάζοντας ταυτόχρονα όλα τα επιθυμητά εμπορικά και ποιοτικά χαρακτηριστικά.