Cherry professional day in Érd – challenges and future-oriented solutions

(Photo: Pixabay)

The aim of the event was for growers, researchers and experts to share their experiences and discuss the current situation and future of the sector.

Domestic varieties in the lead – but there is still more to be done

The majority of Hungarian cherry varieties are the result of breeding by the Érd Institute, which clearly demonstrates the importance of domestic research. However, according to experts, the economic evaluation of domestic varieties and testing at the farm level are now lacking, and this is hindering the development of cultivation. Dr. Béla Mártonffy, presidential advisor to the National Chamber of Agriculture and Economics, highlighted that climate change and inappropriate variety trials are a serious problem. The uncontrolled adoption of foreign varieties could endanger domestic production in the long term.

Lectures – breeding, technology, protection

Several lectures were given during the day. Dr. Zsuzsanna Békefi Kovács presented the history and results of cherry breeding and introduced the latest, promising varieties, such as “Kira” or “Pillangó”. Vilmos Kőszegi presented the establishment of his own intensive plantation, where GPS-controlled planting, solar panels and an automated irrigation system are also used. Film covering systems can provide a solution to the precipitation that often disrupts cherry ripening, as György Csizmadia spoke about – emphasizing that there is still little domestic experience in their application. The plant protection part of the event focused on Drosophila suzukii, the spotted-winged fruit fly, which is causing increasing damage to domestic plantations. The long-term studies of the fruit research institute help in more effective control against the pest. At the end of the program, one of the intensive cherry orchards of the Érd research institute was also presented. The clear message of the professional day: successful domestic cherry production requires modern knowledge, thorough research and coordinated professional cooperation.

NAK