On 22nd June, at the event for the presentation of the book "Linee tecniche 2017 per ortaggi, fragola e piccoli frutti", Agrion technicians Cristiano Carli and Roberto Giordano discussed the weather, the monitoring of Drosophila suzukii and Halyomorpha halys and the results of strawberry and raspberry varietal screenings.
"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.
"The monitoring of Halyomorpha halys and Drosophila suzukii continues. For the first, we have isolated blueberry bunches to observe the damage and, for the second, we are monitoring the crops to assess population behaviour. The situation is rather calm at the moment, but we are evaluating various types of anti-insect nets and applications."
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."
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."
After a period during which strawberry crops had been decreasing, cultivated areas in Piedmont exceed 140 hectares this year. Non-remontant cultivars are most popular than remontant ones (73 vs. 27%). The main ones are Alba (24%), Asia (20%) and Clery (17%). In addition, Piedmont producers tend to prefer plants stored in cold units (61%) to plugs (39%).
"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.
"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, in Piedmont, raspberry harvesting started after that of late strawberries, Agrion technicians are working on non-remontant and remontant raspberry varieties as well. New non-remontant cultivars could replace the Malahat, Tadmor and Tulameen varieties. Glen Dee and Glen Ericht are being considered from the UK as well as San Rafael from Spain.
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
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