After the previous edition held in New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, Italy will be the next country to host the International Symposium on Kiwifruit, scheduled from 6 to 9 September 2027 in Matera, Basilicata.
The announcement was made by the International Society of Horticulture (ISHS), which has entrusted the organisation of the event to the Department of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences (DAFE) of the University of Basilicata, in recognition of the qualified scientific contribution made by the Fruit Growing Group in the kiwifruit sector at an international level.
© Comitato Organizzatore Symposium on Kiwifruit
The symposium is one of the most important scientific events for the global community dedicated to kiwifruit, featuring technical workshops, discussions, and field visits to southern Italian companies specialised in kiwifruit cultivation. With over 70,000 members in more than 50 countries, the ISHS coordinates an important network of researchers, technicians, breeders, nurserymen, and producers.
The 2027 edition will aim to address the main emerging challenges of the industry, including:
- Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS) and containment strategies;
- Breeding and genetic innovation for the selection of resilient varieties;
- Orchard management with focus on precision irrigation, fertilisation, and soil;
- Abiotic stresses and climate change;
- Sink-source dynamics, canopy, light interception, and yield;
- Fruit quality and post-harvest;
- Post-harvest pathogens and diseases;
- Relationship between water resources and energy (Water-Energy Nexus).
The Organising Committee, made up of Prof. Bartolomeo Dichio, Cristos Xiloyannis, and Alba Mininni, has initiated a collaboration with the Italian Society of Horticulture (SOI) of the Basilicata Region, ALSIA, and sector operators. The event will be supported by a fundraising and sponsorship programme aimed at companies in the sector.
The main sponsor will be the Frutthera Growers Organisation, which will present the Kiwy Matera® brand to the international public, launched in 2023 and now an identifying element of the Lucanian kiwi production. Platinum and Gold sponsors include Zespri, Jingold Spa, KIKOKA' Europe S.C.A.R.L., Dorì International srl, Unitec S.p.A., and Timac Agro SPA.
© Comitato Organizzatore Symposium on Kiwifruit
"The choice of Matera recognises the strategic role that Basilicata plays in the agricultural sector," says Prof. Bartolomeo Dichio. "Although Basilicata is not historically a region with a high presence of kiwifruit groves, the area has shown a considerable agronomic potential for this crop in recent years. The Symposium is therefore an opportunity to promote kiwifruit as a strategic diversification opportunity with respect to the crops already established in the region, thereby offering producers a high added-value crop alternative, and to bring together advanced research and field practices. KVDS, climate change, and sustainable resource management require integrated responses that involve geneticists, physiologists, technicians, and producers. We aim to create a concrete comparison, oriented towards operational and replicable solutions in different production areas worldwide."
For more information:
Organising Committee
+39 329 360 6260 (Bartolomeo Dichio)
[email protected]
