Activities

(see additional information field)

Additional information

Results led to many practical recommendations, including:



* Amount and timing of nutrient supply can be used to modify strawberry plant architecture in the nursery. Reduction of Nitrogen can improve the reproductive behaviour and plant quality.



* To extend harvest season, use of perforated plastic cover and fibre cover in the early spring is beneficial for early yield of raspberry plants. In the south, it is possible to extend production season of blackberry by double-cropping. With two harvests productivity is increased and season extended for the high fruit market price.



* Frost is most effectively delayed by limiting night-time ventilation and deploying an energy screen. A fog system ensures longer spring growing season. Light emitting diodes can be used for supplemental light in tunnels for strawberry and raspberry in the North but to have full benefit, heat should be supplied from late September. Spring frost can be reduced with tailored low water supply.



* Extreme and constant high temperature reduce strongly yield and fruit quality. Still a good yield can be achieved under the high tunnel with a filter blocking UV B light.



* Alternative cultivation systems by application of mulching in combination with natural enemies can sharply reduce the use of chemicals to control thrips.

http://cordis.europa.eu/result/rcn/167742_en.html