Project number: 26.08.12.06.04_FruTreeMan
FruTReeMan: Optimised management of fruit production systems under changing market, environmental and climate conditions
This project aims to optimise fruit tree cultivation systems by addressing both short-term practical needs and long-term strategic goals. In the short term, the focus lies on economically viable methods to enhance yield and fruit quality. New thinning agents and mechanical thinning technologies will be evaluated in pome fruits. For stone fruits, new approaches to crop load reduction will be tested. The medium-term objective is the development, testing, and implementation of innovative cultivation systems that balance productivity, market competitiveness, resource efficiency (water and nutrients), and resilience to climate change. New training systems will be evaluated by testing high-density orchards. Further, the implementation of protective infrastructure and the use of climate-resilient varieties and rootstocks will be assessed. Finally, this project aims to identify key physiological and production indicators to assess system resilience under abiotic stress. Overall, the project will deliver actionable solutions for profitable, efficient, and climate-resilient fruit production tailored to Swiss conditions and market demands.