This year, the 8th International Blueberry Conference, which will take place on 4th – 6th March in Jachranka (Warszawianka Hotel), will last for three days. The slogan of this year's blueberry meeting is CHANGES that have already been made on the blueberry market, or will need to be made in the near future. This topic will be discussed during this year's lectures at the International Highbush Blueberry Conference.
How to establish new plantations?
This question cannot be answered briefly and unequivocally. How to choose and prepare cultivation location, how to choose a cultivation system? Maybe it is better to grow blueberries in containers? In order not to be surprised after planting the plants, you must also check the soil for pests and prepare it well in terms of nutrient availability for plants. There are many such issues, and they are particularly important in relation to blueberry, which is a long-lived plant. Therefore, consequences of decisions made at the stage of establishing a plantation will be felt for the next dozen, if not several dozen years.
The latest knowledge about blueberry cultivation
The main conference day on 5th March will be devoted to current issues related to blueberry cultivation. You will learn what are the possibilities and benefits of growing blueberries in containers. A lecture on this topic will be given by an advisor from Great Britain - Dennis Wilson representing Delphy UK. In his speech he will point out the technical aspects of growing blueberries in containers, such as the selection of appropriate containers and substrates, preparation of an irrigation system and, of course, ensuring adequate water quality and the composition of nutrients used for blueberry fertilization. A fully yielding blueberry bush needs up to 6 liters of water a day. Moreover, proper frequency of irrigation is also important as it is sometimes necessary to give two cycles of irrigation per hour - says Dennis Wilson.
Bushes on plantations reveal variations in the genetics of the same varieties more and more often. Why do the same varieties grow and bear fruit very well on one plantation, while elsewhere the plants look quite different? Many blueberry growers are facing this dilemma, and Filip Cupak, production manager at the German plantation Werner Spargelhof Deinste in Germany, decided to analyze it. Initially, differences in the growth of individual plants were clearly visible within the 'Duke' variety, unfortunately soon we saw similar changes in the 'Draper', 'Liberty' and 'Aurora' varieties.
The third day will be held outdoors
Practice is as important as theoretical knowledge for growers. That is why the third day of the International Highbush Blueberry Conference will be held outdoors on a blueberry plantation in Dolecko near Skierniewice. Blueberry bush pruning demonstrations will be organized there, as well as demonstrations of machinery and cultivation technologies. There will be an opportunity to talk and consult with advisers and exchange experiences.
For more information:
Mariusz Podymniak
Tel: +48 608500501
Email: mariusz.podymniak@hortusmedia.pl
www.konferencjaborowkowa.pl