OrgHort 2024 in Warsaw

The ILU was represented at the OrgHort2024 symposium in Warsaw. Experts from all over the world exchanged views on sustainable cultivation methods for fruit and vegetables. Prof Dr Pleissner, Scientific Director at the ILU, presented the latest research findings on promoting biodiversity in raspberry crops.

The ISHS IV International Organic Fruit Symposium and II Organic Vegetable Symposium (OrgHort 2024, 17-20 September 2024, Warsaw, Poland), organized by the National Institute of Horticultural Research, Skierniewice (Poland) aimed to bring together experts and stakeholders from around the world to share knowledge and address the challenges facing organic horticulture. This event is known as a unique opportunity for international collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The symposium explored the major issues affecting organic horticulture, including production systems, regulatory and market requirements, and the impact of climate change on agricultural production systems. It also provided a platform for discussing holistic solutions that combine best environmental and climate action practices, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource preservation.

Prof Dr Daniel Pleissner took the opportunity to present new results on the change in underground biodiversity in raspberry cultivation when different companion plants such as flower strips or ‘trap’ plants were cultivated together.

Using state-of-the-art molecular biology technology, the Institute of Food and Environmental Research was able to extract genetic material (DNA) from various soil samples and carry out sequencing in collaboration with other European partners in the ‘ResBerry’ project.

The knowledge gained is highly relevant for fruit growers in Germany. For example, they can use it to find out which beneficial microorganisms live in the soil and help the plants to grow better. They can also recognise harmful fungi or bacteria and thus combat them more effectively.

Mehr zum Projekt erfahren: ResBerry – ILU e.V. (ilu-ev.de)