Programme Description Open Day

1. Crop Protection Pear

This stop will cover various fungal diseases in pear, including pear scab, fruit rot, and fruit tree canker. A good understanding of the life cycle of these fungi forms the basis for a targeted and effective approach. Fundamental research is crucial here as a complement to practical experience and demo trials.

For example, pear scab (Venturia pyrina) differs from apple scab (Venturia inaequalis). In addition to demonstration research, fundamental research is also being conducted to gain more insight into pear scab. The question is: what can growers do with this knowledge in practice?

Fruit tree canker (Neonectria) is an issue not only in apple cultivation but also in pear. At the same time, the range of available products is changing drastically. Captan currently forms the basis of a preventive strategy, but strict restrictions will be imposed starting next year. In recent years, research has been conducted into alternative strategies – what will they look like in the future? And what is the impact of pruning methods on susceptibility to infections?

Fruit rot control, like the control of scab and fruit tree canker, is an annually recurring issue. Extensive research has been conducted: from screenings of (not yet) approved products to the revision of existing strategies. Here too, the product package is about to change. What experiences have been gained, and how can we maintain an effective strategy going forward? Possibly with interesting products that are close to approval.

2. Varieties and Cultivation Systems Pear

During a tour on the eastern section of FRC Randwijk, Joris and Dirk will guide you along various pear varieties. The following varieties will be discussed: Xenia®, Fred®, Red Conference®, Migo®, Qtee®, Early Desire®, Piqaboo®, Me Amore®, Sweet Sensation®, Doyenné du Comice, Beurré Alexander Lucas, and Abate Fetel.

Some of these varieties have been recently introduced to the market, while others have been in production for several years. Some varieties have a traditional green color, others a red blush.

During the tour, the varieties will be shown, and Joris and Dirk will share their experiences. Many of the varieties are planted in different cultivation systems, such as traditional spindle systems, two-leaders, v-hedges, and variants thereof.

In short, a valuable tour with an up-to-date overview of new varieties and cultivation systems in pear cultivation.

3. Mechanisation and Robotisation

With increasing labor costs, mechanisation, digitalisation, and robotisation are becoming increasingly important. This theme block will provide updates on the latest developments.

In the project ‘NXTGEN HighTech – Use Case Handsfree Orchards’, the focus is on the digitalisation of orchard management. Last year, a trial was initiated on precision thinning. In this trial, the TreeScout by Aurea Imaging is used. A new feature of the TreeScout, being tested this year, is a crop load map. The cameras detect and count apples. The first test results will be presented.

Within NXTGEN, an apple picking robot is being developed by Munckhof Fruit Tech Innovators and Riwo. Last year, the robot picked a significant number of apples. In recent months, various improvements have been made, which will be further tested this harvest season, along with a bin carrier. The latest developments will be shared.

Due to increasing drift reduction requirements (DRT), there are more questions about the effectiveness of applying drift-reducing spraying technology. With co-funding from Water Board Rivierenland in the DAW project ‘Prevention of field and yard emissions in Rivierenland’, two demonstrations have been set up at FRC Randwijk. The main effects are examined. In the demos, one-sided or two-sided spraying of the outer tree row is compared, along with the effect of reduced air in the border rows.

During this tour, machines will also be demonstrated that increase the efficiency of harvest activities, aiming for cost savings in the harvesting process.
NXTGEN HighTech receives a contribution from the National Growth Fund.

4. Cultivation Systems, Varieties, and Sunburn Control Apple

We are pleased to show you this year’s results of the various new rootstocks, varieties, tree forms, and planting systems in apple. This section of the orchard always attracts a lot of attention from apple growers.

It is sometimes provocatively stated: ‘the future of fruit growing is two-dimensional’. Think of the benefits of two-dimensional systems for harvesting and thinning, control via camera imaging, shorter drying times, even coverage with crop protection agents, mechanical pruning, leaf blowing, etc. Looking ahead, even robotised harvesting might be added. In short, two-dimensional systems are not such a far-fetched idea and are certainly a serious option for future plantings. This is not only the conclusion in the Netherlands – 2D systems are also gaining popularity in South Tyrol, parts of France, and even Australia and New Zealand.

The oldest 2D trees were planted in 2018 with Bibaumen, but there are also rows of classical two-year-old Elstar trees in a drapeau system with 2, 3, 4 or more leaders. In recent years, several rows have been planted with two-leaders, specially cultivated drapeau trees, and intensively planted uninterrupted-growth trees. This year, a block of Elstar two-leaders on G.11 was also added. The choice for G.11 was made based on results from the rootstock trial, where Geneva and Mark rootstocks showed better establishment and higher production on replant sites.

Elstar still dominates this plot. However, a significant number of new varieties are also present: Bonita, Maribelle, Magic Star/Sprank, Morgana, and Tessa – each with different new rootstocks and tree forms.
A second subject of this tour is the reduction of nitrogen application in varieties that color slowly. In Morgana and Magic Star/Sprank, promising results have been achieved in recent years with lower nitrogen application on coloration. For Kanzi, however, a strong effect was seen on lenticel spotting.

We are happy to share all these results and experiences with you.

Additionally, a new misting system has been running on this plot for two years to prevent sunburn. This system should provide significant water savings compared to traditional overhead irrigation.
In recent years, temperatures above 30°C are no longer rare. The risk of sunburn increases, while the availability of good water is increasingly a limiting factor. Therefore, this year we are also conducting a trial with some potential sunburn control products. We are happy to show you the results.

5. Organic Fruit Growing

Organic fruit growing is on the rise. More and more consumers are consciously choosing organic products, and various supermarkets are focusing more strongly on the organic segment. At the same time, cultivation is becoming increasingly complex. This is mainly due to stricter regulations and the withdrawal of active substances. This demands innovative and robust cultivation strategies.

Organic cultivation is always in motion. The theme tour in this block focuses on the latest insights and experiences. For example, the differences in nutrient uptake with various fertilisers are studied. Also, the differences in scab susceptibility and fruit quality are closely monitored in different varieties.

One of the biggest challenges is pest control. This year, there is again a lot of attention to lice pressure. In recent years, woolly aphids have also emerged as a growing problem. The small wasp Aphelinus mali can play an important role here. We will show you the setup of the new trial.

Another recurring point of interest is the approach to fungal diseases such as scab and mildew. The current strategy in organic apple cultivation is based on sulphur and potassium bicarbonate. In wet years, that is not enough. In 2024, the first trials will start with electrolysed water, an organic treatment method that is also applied in other crops. We will show the setup.

To conclude: in this block, we are happy to update you on the latest developments in organic fruit cultivation.

6. Fruit Nutrition and Soil Fertility

A healthy, fertile soil is the foundation of strong fruit trees. In the project ‘Future-proof soil management fruit cultivation’, fruit growers work together with researchers on innovations and improvements in soil fertility. Soil advisors, the Nutrient Management Institute, and Wageningen University & Research also participate in this project.

On this plot, the focus is on the application of green manure in tree strips. Traditional cultivation is often done with a bare tree strip. In recent years, however, many fruit growers have sown grasses, legumes, and other plant mixtures in the tree strip. This provides a more beautiful orchard, but also more biodiversity, better root penetration, and improved water retention capacity. However, competition for nutrients and water increases. This must be kept manageable with the right mixture and management. We are happy to show you the results.

At the same time, various fertiliser strategies are being studied on this plot. For instance, organic fertilisers and various potassium forms are tested for their effect on leaf composition and fruit quality. We are also happy to share those results with you.

7. Weather, Irrigation, and Climate Measures

There is no such thing as average weather anymore. 2023 once again showed that. Dry periods alternate with heavy showers, sometimes with hail. The risk of sunburn and extreme heat is increasing, but the availability of water and nutrients is not always sufficient.

For a good and resilient cultivation strategy, more knowledge is needed about weather, climate, and plant response. At FRC Randwijk, extensive research is conducted into these topics. For example, water uptake and soil moisture are measured in various cultivation systems, and different forms of irrigation are compared.

In addition, several trials are set up to limit sunburn. Since 2023, we also have a new weather station on the premises that, in addition to standard data, also provides data on longwave and shortwave radiation.

Do you want to know more about this? Visit this theme block.

8. Redcurrant, Grapes, and Stone Fruit

In the redcurrants, various fertiliser strategies are being studied. There is also a trial on new row distances and pruning methods in older crops. In the new field, the performance of the varieties Rovada, Rosita, and Rolan is being studied.

In the grapes, the focus is on the differences in growth and production between table and wine grapes. In addition, susceptibility to various diseases and pests is monitored. Since last year, the variety Solaris has been planted for wine production.

In the stone fruit section, two new plum varieties and one new apricot variety were planted in 2024. These trees are still too young for a harvest this year, but we will gladly tell you more about the reasons for choosing these varieties and about the cultivation approach.