IFAPA Huelva presents 2024–2025 strawberry trial results

The IFAPA research centre in Huelva (Spain) hosted a technical session to present the results of the 2024–2025 strawberry variety trials, gathering around 100 sector professionals, including growers, technicians, and agri-businesses.

The event underscored the role of scientific knowledge transfer in improving production practices across the berry sector. Seven technical presentations addressed key factors influencing strawberry cultivation performance under various systems.

Researchers and industry experts shared findings on how agro-environmental variables impact productivity across different strawberry varieties, and how specific traits determine fruit quality. Long-term data covering four growing seasons revealed how yield and quality outcomes vary under distinct cultivation systems.

The session also evaluated fungal disease tolerance in strawberries grown in untreated soils and examined floral induction strategies in potted plants aimed at improving crop timing and uniformity.

Innovations in genetic improvement were introduced alongside robotic solutions for applying phytosanitary treatments in soilless production, offering tools for increased precision and reduced input use.

These findings are especially relevant as the sector adapts to tighter regulations on chemical use and shifts toward sustainable models like soilless cultivation.

The results support growers in choosing appropriate varieties and practices to enhance productivity, water use efficiency, and disease control — contributing to the overall economic, social, and environmental sustainability of strawberry and berry farming.

*El Instituto de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera (IFAPA) is an administrative research agency of the Andalusian Regional Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development. It focuses on agricultural modernization through R&D, technology transfer, and specialized training.

source: diariodehuelva.es

photo: juntadeandalucia.es