Event at NIAB in East Malling will brief apple and pear growers on latest research projects, including improving low-oxygen Gala storage and new control opportunities for apple scab and canker
Industry body British Apples and Pears and NIAB are co-hosting a topfruit technical day in Kent on Monday 10 February.
The hybrid event takes place from 10am to 4pm in The Mumford Building at NIAB’s East Malling site.
There is space for 80 delegates to attend in person, and the event will also be streamed online for those unable to travel to East Malling. Click here to register.
The day will brief apple and pear growers on the latest research projects that their subscriptions are funding.
The research projects are all designed to address some of the industry’s most pressing production problems. Speakers will include scientists from NIAB, ADAS, and the University of Greenwich, along with growers and agronomists who will share practical experiences of adopting new techniques in their businesses.
Topics to be covered include improving low-oxygen storage of Gala, new control opportunities for apple scab and canker, and new approaches to forest bug and codling moth control.
Delegates will also find out more about an Innovate UK project to develop precision orchard management and how the industry is contributing to carbon capture.
In addition, a presentation will be made by the Horticulture Crop Protection team to explain how grower funds are being used to deliver new and alternative plant protection products for the apple and pear sector.
BAPL research programme manager Rachel McGauley said: “This event is a key date in our R&D calendar. It’s about ensuring our growers understand the plan for our R&D work and how their money is being spent.
“The results of research and development work that we have previously commissioned is already delivering helpful results that growers can use in their businesses right now.”
NIAB knowledge exchange manager Scott Raffle added: “Many growers and businesses have been keen to reinstate events which allow delegates to meet and chat in person rather than relying solely on virtual meetings.
“The new facilities that have been developed at East Malling with funding from The East Malling Trust, Growing Kent & Medway and Kent County Council have allowed us to collaborate with British Apples and Pears to create what will be an informative day with the opportunity for delegates to network.”
