Suitable European plum cultivars for organic orchards establishment
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. Organic plum production is affected by a variety of factors: unmarketable cultivar characteristics (flavour, soluble solids content, stone adherence), reduced storage, small size and low resistance to fungal diseases and Plum Pox Virus (PPV). The experts propose a list of robust cultivars suitable for plum organic orchards establishment. Choosing the best […]
Direct regulation of the black cherry aphid in organic table cherry production
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is the main pest in modern organic table cherry production. In orchards with installed rain protection and insect nets, robust aphid populations can build up, leading to significant yield losses and tree damage. The black cherry aphid can be indirectly and directly regulated. This practice […]
Apricots cultivars suited for organic production in the Mediterranean region
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. Planting cultivars not adapted to local conditions leads to agronomical difficulties in organic fruit production. Choosing cultivars wellsuited to biotic (e.g., pests and diseases) and abiotic conditions (e.g., chilling requirements (vernalisation), soil type) is a key to sustainable organic apricot production. Adapted varieties make orchard management easier, less reliant on plant […]
Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis): Control strategy for organic pome production
Apple scab is the primary fungal disease in apple cultivation affecting entire harvests as well as the following year’s production. The damage can occur both in the plant and during storage. In organic farming, scab control is mostly carried out using precautionary measures. Plant protection products are used for direct control before the onset of […]
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella): Control methods in organic fruit production
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is the primary pest in organic fruit growing. It damages apple, pear, quince, rowan, medlar, walnut and kaki. Generations/years vary depending on the soil and climates zones. Several control methods can be applied in organic farming depending on the infection rate, but plant protection products and mating disruption are the most […]
Long-term cover cropping in tillage-based systems filters weed community phenology: a seedbank analysis
Little is known about the long-term contribution of cover crops to weed management in tillage- and herbicide-based systems. Research questions Do cover crops mainly filter weed species capable of setting seeds during the fallow period? Can cover crop biomass productivity explain differences in weed suppression among cover crop species? Does reduced weed seedbank density translate […]
Increasing crop diversification with flower strips to improve natural pest control and pollination (DiverIMPACTS Practice Abstract)
Conventional pest control based on the use of synthetic insecticides is very effective, however, this has important negative effects on the environment such as the loss of farmland biodiversity, especially in the group of invertebrates, including many beneficial organisms. Another key problem is the presence of insecticide residues in surface and groundwater or, potentially, in […]
Using a partner crop in maize for weed suppression (DiverIMPACTS Practice Abstract)
It is very common to use chemical herbicides to control weeds in maize. Considering the negative environmental impact of this practice and the societal pressure to reduce herbicide use, finding alternative solutions is desirable. The diversification of the maize crop is a possible solution: sowing the maize in a (winter) partner crop, mowing the partner […]
Suitable European plum cultivars for organic orchards establishment (Biofruitnet Practice Abstract)
Organic plum production is affected by a variety of factors: unmarketable cultivar characteristics (flavour, soluble solids content, stone adherence), reduced storage, small size and low resistance to fungal diseases and Plum Pox Virus (PPV). The work proposes a list of robust cultivars suitable for plum organic orchards establishment. Choosing the best height/size plum cultivars will […]
Multi-species summer cover crop in protected vegetable systems (DiverIMPACTS Practice Abstract)
In protected vegetable systems of the Mediterranean area, having bare soil for several weeks in late summer, post cash crop harvest, may induce soil degradation. Providing a soil cover in any period is key to preserve the soil’s biological activity and maintain good agronomic conditions (e.g. soil structure) for the following crops. A mixture of […]
