"The data collected by the Agrion station in Boves (CN) show that the average temperatures registered during the first six months of the year were higher (except for January) than the historical average (2002-2016), especially in February (+2.3°C) and March (+3.4°C). Rainfall was also lower, both in terms of volumes (only 376 mm) and days of rain. Compared to the past 5 years with an average of 45 days, it only rained on 27 days in 2017," explains Cristiano Carli, Agrion technician and vegetable and soft fruit manager.
Damage caused by the brown marmorated stink bug on blueberries (Photo by Agrion)
"A new test will be carried out on a 3.5 metre high perimeter net protecting a blueberry orchard covered with an anti-hail net. Holes will measure 1 mm² to keep out Drosophila suzukii. A second test is currently being carried out on remontant strawberries involving only a perimeter net. Some insects have been captured outside the perimeter but none in polytunnels."
"This year, problems have been caused by frost in April and the current drought. In addition, we had to deal with aphids, red spider mites, thrips, bugs, earwigs, neckrot and other issues caused soil fatigue, anthracnose and Phomopsis," added Roberto Giordano.
"Despite the fact that we have been looking for an alternative for years, we still haven't found an alternative to Alba. Brilla, Laetitia and Roxana all had good productions, but only Brilla is as early as Alba, the others are harvested in late May/early June. The non-remontant cultivars admitted for extended experimentation include: Brilla, FragolAurea NF 149, Amy® CIVN260, Aprica, Olympia NF638 and Tea NF633". However, the damage caused by the frost between 19th and 21st April prevented complete evaluations.
As regards remontant raspberry varieties, Amira, Regina and Kweli® Advarbereen will be cultivated in 2017. New varieties include Paris Versailles and yellow Amira (useful to differentiate production).
Contacts:
Cristiano Carli and Roberto Giordano
Agrion - Fondazione per la ricerca, l'innovazione e lo sviluppo tecnologico dell'agricoltura piemontese
Tel.: (+39) 0171-388880
Web: www.agrion.it