Sustainable plant protection in apple orchards is a continuous story inside of Andermatt. This knowledge has been shared between participants from Switzerland, Germany, the Check Republic, Moldova and Georgia at the lake Constance during an intensive three days’ workshop.
The Andermatt Group International team continues to facilitate the transfer of knowledge between growers, regional advisors and product managers. Thirty-five participants from the Czech Republic, Moldova, Georgia, Switzerland and Germany spent three days visiting German organic and IPM fruit growers, gaining valuable insights into the Fruit Growing Competence Centre Lake Constance (KOB – Kompetenzzentrum Obstbau-Bodensee). Andermatt Biocontrol Suisse and Biofa provided updates on Madex Top and Twin (CpGV), Curatio and VitiSan, along with well-established IPM strategies from Germany and Switzerland for producing fruit with low or zero residues.
Visiting IPM and biological orchards gave the participants valuable insights into local and regional fruit-growing strategies and specialties. Key topics included changing the European regulations, the withdrawal of chemical pesticides, and pest resistance management. How applying Madex products against the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and the oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) can help manage a Psylla or mites infestation? What are the crucial stages in scab control strategies using Curatio and VitiSan for residue-free production? Growers and advisors discussed practical and relevant topics until late in the evening.
Alina Piven, Business Development Manager in Andermatt Group: “A big gratitude goes to KOB, Cidery Knill, Biohof Hutt, Obsthof Rist, Büchele and Katzenmeier for their hospitality and willingness to share and exchange know-how, and of course to our colleagues from Biofa and ABCS for their support in organizing the event. Through the intensive professional exchange and visits to orchards, the participants gained valuable insights into the use of biocontrol solutions, which they will implement in their countries. This event enables us to increase our footprint in Eastern European markets – on the way to Healthy Food and Healthy Environment, for All1.”
Apple Cidery Visit
Participants enjoyed the shadow in the apple orchards
Advisors and participants carefully inspected pests and their natural enemies and discussed possible management solutions
Visiting Biohof Hutt (1st day)
Madex trial at the tour to KOB (Fruit Growing Competence Centre Lake Constance) with Robert Bischoff (Head of Plant Health &Plant Protection) and Marc-Simon Hans (R&D Manager and Consultant for Application Technology)
Pheromones for mating disruption along with Madex is an established technology for Codling moth control in the Lake Constance region
Organic apricot at Biohof Hutt. Lake Constance is a traditional apple-growing region. However, climate extremes have forced growers to diversify their production, resulting in an increased area dedicated to apricots, sweet cherries, plums, berries and other fruits.
