As the Spanish season comes to an end, BerryWorld Spain held the third Grower Day of the season with partner growers from Portugal, Moroccan and Spain.
Attendees had the opportunity to see first-hand a blueberry pruning demo by blueberry product managers; Jose Gallo and Jose Antonio Cañete. This was done for the six key MBO blueberry varieties currently grown in the area: Meridian, Opi, Eureka, Twilight, First Blush and Sundown, techniques varied depending on plant habits and needs.
The pre-harvest team followed with a presentation of the raspberry trial results detailing second crop yield and curves, days from flower to fruit (forecast), harvest speed primocane vs. long cane and long cane planting dates and origins. The latest trial was particularly interesting as it aims at replacing the current winter gap in the region by bringing forward the production with long canes from the Southern Hemisphere. A first trial on the new blackberry variety BerryWorld® Midnight™ was introduced as well, with promising yields.
The grower day was wrapped up with a look at the blueberry trials, focusing on pollination, pruning and phenology.
Another very fruitful session, with great engagement from all attendees. BerryWorld grower days will return start of the 2019-2020 Iberian season, as they have proved to be a great occasion for best practice sharing and networking across the berry world.