Latest fruit tree research to be revealed in free webinar
29th January 2024
Topics to be covered include the new apple rootstock M200, improvements in disease control and pest management, and improving energy use in apple stores.
The NIAB 2024 Tree Fruit Day will provide a comprehensive overview of how NIAB and its partners are supporting UK tree fruit growers in how to remain profitable and sustainable.
The free-to-attend technical webinar, open to all, takes place online on 22nd February 2024 with registration open now.
The event is split into three sessions, the first leading with a presentation by NIAB’s Growing Kent & Medway team on how the programme is supporting sustainable innovation in the sector.
New developments in post-harvest research at The University of Greenwich will include a talk on a Growing Kent & Medway funded project on improving energy use in apple stores.
There will also be presentations on the new apple rootstock M200 and research to speed up the process of apple breeding.
NIAB will also present on the impact and control of woolly apple aphid.
Session two focuses largely on disease control and new research into improved management of apple scab, apple canker, apple replant disease and brown rot in cherry. This session will close with new information on how NIAB has developed new wildflower mixes that are dedicated to enhancing pollination and beneficial insects in apple, pear and cherry orchards.
Session three will provide the latest results on a series of pest management projects in tree fruit crops covering control of woodlice, a new problem in apple orchards, woolly apple aphid, apple sawfly, codling moth, forest bug and brown marmorated stink bug.
The latest technology for controlling spotted wing drosophila in cherry and plum will also be presented.
NIAB knowledge exchange manager Scott Raffle, said: “NIAB continues to support the tree fruit industry through a wide range of research projects, many of which are delivering new results and information that can be implemented in commercial productions.
“Virtual events like this Tree Fruit Day allow us to connect with a wide audience across the UK and abroad to raise the awareness of tree fruit work at NIAB’s East Malling site and elsewhere, explaining how it might benefit tree fruit growers. I do encourage growers, technologists, agronomists and anyone involved in the industry to register to attend.”
