Earlier this week the project 'Integral chain approach to control fruit tree cancer' started in Randwijk. The goal of the project is for every link in the chain to be able to control fruit tree cancer in a focused and sustainable manner.
Effect of fruit tree cancer.
Fruit tree cancer (Neonectria ditissima) is feared by fruit tree growers and apple growers. This fungal disease affects the wood tissue of trees which prevents the flow of sap from the infected area. The rest of the branch or tree dies, which decreases the production potential. The fungus can also affect fruits, resulting in fruit rot. In serious cases an orchard has to be harvested early.
The unique part of this project is that for the first time all links in the fruit tree chain - from the producers of the seeding material to the fruit growers - will work together with Wageningen University & Research for 4 years to improve the prevention and approach towards fruit tree cancer.
Project leader Peter Frans de Jong looks at the effects of fruit tree cancer in a plot at Proeftuin Randwijk, together with project partners.
The project is subdivided into different projects. In the first, a complete as possible risk inventory is taken. They will look at how infections take hold in the different phases and what conditions play a role in this. The second project works on the sustainable control of fruit tree cancer. There will be attention on the storage conditions of seeding material, preventing infection in wounds during the nursing and cultivation phase and the influence of fertilisers on the susceptibility of trees. They will also look at whether there are antagonists or micro organisms that can protect trees against an infection with fruit tree cancer. In the last part of the project a cultivation protocol will be developed for the entire chain.
Project leader Peter Frans de Jong looks at the effects of fruit tree cancer in a plot at Proeftuin Randwijk, together with project partners.
The project is subdivided into different projects. In the first, a complete as possible risk inventory is taken. They will look at how infections take hold in the different phases and what conditions play a role in this. The second project works on the sustainable control of fruit tree cancer. There will be attention on the storage conditions of seeding material, preventing infection in wounds during the nursing and cultivation phase and the influence of fertilisers on the susceptibility of trees. They will also look at whether there are antagonists or micro organisms that can protect trees against an infection with fruit tree cancer. In the last part of the project a cultivation protocol will be developed for the entire chain.
Financing
The project was founded on the initiative of the Nederlandse Fruittelers Organisatie (NFO). Besides the NFO, Naktuinbouw, Vermeerderingstuinen Nederland, Stichting Projectbureau Boomkwekerij (representing the fruit tree growers), Bodata and Fruitmasters are partners in this project. The partners take care of the financing of the project, which is added to with monies made available by the Top sector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen.
Source: NFO