Nets protecting the single-row orchards
The company owns 1.50 hectares of a very modern cherry orchard covered with nets and planted as an experimental project by the University of Bologna. It is supervised by professor Stefano Lugli and involves both early and late varieties.
Cherries harvested by Trenti
"Harvesting started in the past few days but of course we are talking about small quantities. The orchard is made up of 8 varieties. The high density, i.e. 1800 plants per hectare, contributes to the fact that fruit ripens early."
Trent invested quite a lot and each row is covered with anti-rain, anti-hail and anti-insect nets we well as with the Keep in Touch system. "This way, treatments are reduced to a minimum. The quality of the first produce harvested is good. Flavour is not too bad, but let's not forget it's only May 3rd."
Walter Monari, director of Consorzio di tutela della ciliegia di Vignola Igp, reports that the season is looking positive. "More significant quantities should be harvested starting from 12th May, but it's only a hypothesis as everything depends on the weather and temperatures. It seems the season was going to be early until Easter, then temperatures dropped."
Frost damage was almost non-existent and yields will be normal after the 40% drop of 2016.
An issue that is worrying cherry producers all over Italy is Drosophila suzukii. "Even though the insect is not as widespread in our area, I believe it could be tackled by using multiple techniques. We are also hoping for a natural antagonist to be found soon. Nets are also a good solution, as chemical means must be the last resort."