Fruit Articles

The beneficial effects of using biostimulants on crops has been known for many years. Hortifeeds agronomist, Mike Wainwright, explains more about their effects on plant growth, development and subsequent shelf life.

Innocent Drinks has just announced the recipients of its Farmer Innovation Fund for 2024. The news comes following the launch of the enhanced fund, which made available a grant pot of £1 million. 

Asian hornets have overwintered in the UK for the first time, Defra confirms. 

The British Tomato Fortnight is back for 2024. This annual two-week celebration champions the deliciously juicy and marvellously nutritious tomatoes grown in Britain. 

A family-owned Kent-based fruit farm has signed a new £750 million deal with Aldi, which will see a new 200-acre orchard being planted in the county. 

Self-propelled and towed sprayers, designed for inside fruit tunnels with tabletop systems, offer a solution for growers without large central alleys. Adam McDonald, of McDonald Agri Ltd, explains the benefits of the range.

Over 2,000 bees were killed, and dozens of fresh strawberry plants and farming equipment were damaged during a “heartbreaking” vandalism attack at a Scottish farm. 

Scientists at the University of Warwick are helping to boost the UK’s food security in the wake of a new government report on UK fruit and vegetable production. 

One farming couple have significantly increased their blueberry yield, by harnessing heat from their own renewable energy sources.

Medel Orchards, based in Ontario, has been impressed with its recent investment in a Major Cyclone, which has now become the family’s favourite bit of kit.

The retail sales value of fresh berries has more than doubled in the past decade, and despite soaring costs of production and substantial labour challenges, the sector continues to expand. We spoke to British Berry Growers chairman Nick Marston, about future challenges and opportunities.

Russell IPM experts Rachel Turner, Dr Clare Sampson, Dr Abuimroz Ali, Dr Dhurgham Al-Karawi, and Dr Rihem Moujahed give advice on how to spot and manage the risks of SWD.