"Dynamic changes in the production of vegetables under cover – both in Poland and throughout Europe"

"We are observing very dynamic changes in the production of vegetables under cover – both in Poland and throughout Europe. Today, producers are struggling with many simultaneously emerging threats: from new pathogens, through pests increasingly difficult to control, to the pressure of the market, which expects products free of residues and stable supplies throughout the year." Speaking is Anna Wize, moderator and author of the program of the conference "Under Covers. Cultivation in greenhouses, tunnels and indoors", which will take place on January 24, 2026, on the second day of the 16th edition of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Fair in Kielce.

"I wanted the conference program to be as practical as possible and result from what producers face daily. Hence the selection of topics and experts – people who work in the field, laboratories, consulting and know what challenges are most urgent today", says Anna when asked about the starting point for creating this year's agenda.

The conference will begin with a speech Dorota Łabanowska-Bura, PhD on the problems of vegetable protection in the Radom production region. Anna explans this region became an important reference point. "The Radom Pepper Basin is one of the largest and most intensively run tunnel vegetable production centres in Poland. It is also a place where all threats appear early and with great strength – from aphids, through thrips, to diseases such as powdery mildew or angular spot. The 2025 season has shown that the pressure of soil pathogens, the problem of plant death or developing scleroderma rot are becoming increasingly difficult to control. Łabanowska-Bura's, PhD lecture will therefore be a kind of "diagnosing the patient" before we move on to the details of further threats."

The program also includes a speech on the activities of the Plant Diseases Clinic IOR-NRI, a topic that rarely appears at production conferences. "I wanted to show manufacturers how many diagnostic facilities we have in Poland – and how much it is worth using. Sylwia Stępniewska-Jarosz, PhD, the head of the Clinic, has been observing for years which pathogens most often end up in laboratories with samples from producers. We see an increasing proportion of brooders, an intense presence of soil pathogens, and an increasing variety of viral problems. Many producers intuitively suspect one disease, and it turns out that the cause is completely different – or complex. We want to show that a correct diagnosis is the foundation of effective protection today", Anna explains.

Tomato viruses occupy a significant place in the program. Anna asays this currently the biggest threat in greenhouses and tunnels. "Definitely yes. Tomato Fruit Brown Bump Virus (ToBRFV) is currently one of the most serious challenges in global tomato production. There are no effective means of protection for it after infection, and its ease of transmission – even by the hands of employees – means that it can destroy entire plantings. That is why I invited two people who have been working on this topic from different perspectives for years. Beata Komorowska, PhD, will discuss the latest research results, including those on the use of stable hypochlorous acid (HOCl), as well as virus diagnostics. On the other hand, Tomasz Krasowski from Delpha will show the practical side of growing crops in the conditions of threat ToBRFV or PepMV – from hygiene to the selection of resistant varieties and the strategy of "grafting" on the mild PepMV breed. This is the knowledge that has determined whether many farms exist or not to exist in recent seasons."

In the second part of the conference, the topic of "zero residue" production resonates strongly. "Because the market – especially the foreign market – sends a noticeably clear signal: it wants products free of detectable residues of plant protection products. Chains such as Lidl, Edeka or Carrefour offer special shelves for "zero residue", and many producers from Spain, Italy or the Netherlands already started investing in this direction a few years ago. Dorota Łabanowska-Bury, PhD, perfectly shows the economic aspects of this model: greater stability of contracts, better prices, lower risk of product recalls due to excess residues.

For Polish producers, this is a great opportunity, but also a challenge – because it requires comprehensive thinking about plant protection, production hygiene, and control of the entire technological chain."

The program also includes the topic of plant resistance and their tolerance to stress. Anne explains the role they play in reducing disease and pest pressure. "Huge. Agnieszka Stępowska, PhD, emphasizes that a healthy, well-nourished plant is like a person with strong immunity – it is much more difficult to infect it. At a time when the use of pesticides is being systematically reduced and consumers and chains are demanding residue-free products, it is crucial to strengthen plants' own defense mechanisms. It is not only a matter of fertilization or the substrate structure, but also supplementation, bio stimulation, and proper climate control. I think this lecture will give producers numerous practical tips."

The conference will end with the topic of vertical cultivation – which still raises many questions and skepticism. Does Anna want to "disenchant" this topic? "Definitely yes. Vertical cultivation is not only a futuristic vision, but a reality that in some countries is already an element of normal production. Gabriela Wyżgolik, PhD, – a person who works in one of the largest plant factories in Europe – will show what facts look like and where myths begin. It is worth making producers aware that although it is not a solution for everyone, it is an important direction of development, especially for specialized crops or micro-leaf production. Problems related to energy, varieties or investment costs require thorough discussion, not duplication of simplistic opinions."

Anna explains the entiroe conference brings added value to the manufacturers participating in TSW 2026. "First, topicality and practicality. Each lecture focuses on real problems that producers see soil pathogens, viruses, pest pressure, growing demands of recipients. I wanted the participants not only to receive a portion of scientific knowledge, but – tips on how to implement this knowledge in practice. I believe that producers will leave the conference with specific solutions and a sense that, despite the challenging times, the industry is developing and has real opportunities ahead of it."

Personally, she looks forward most to meeting the growers. "What I value the most are conversations with producers – they show whether the program we create really meets their needs. I hope for a good, substantive discussion after the speeches, because it often gives rise to innovative ideas and directions of action. TSW is a unique meeting place for the entire industry, and the Under Cover conference is one of the few events in Poland that so comprehensively shows the challenges and future of cover crops. I hope that, as in previous years, it will be a day full of exchange of experiences."

Registration and tickets are available at the link here.