The Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is developing a project for the conservation and expansion of fig varieties in an experimental farm in Molina de Segura, located in the Huerta de Arriba area. The project can benefit farmers in the region, agricultural cooperatives, technicians and students.
The project began in 2013 with the planting of fig trees in 0.85 hectares in this farm of the Integrated Training and Agricultural Experiences Center (Cifea) of Molina de Segura. The goal is to collect data on the ripening and harvesting of the 33 existing varieties of figs and early figs over 7 years.
The objective is to preserve this collection as a bank of plant material and expand it with other varieties that may be of interest.
During the current year, researchers carried out soil analysis to facilitate the calculation of the crop's irrigation and subsistence needs, as well as the monitoring and control of pests and diseases, among other aspects.
The project has an environmental efficiency plan to reduce waste, emissions, input consumption, and to develop the crops in a sustainable way.
To disseminate the results of the project, they will write an annual report and schedule visits to the farm by farmers, technicians and students of agronomy, who will be shown the evolution of the crop.
Source: Europa Press