Fruit for the Future, the annual showcase of soft fruit research for the food and drink industry professional presented by the James Hutton Institute and the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR); is taking place on Thursday 21st July at the Institute’s Dundee site at Invergowrie.
This year, attendees will have the opportunity to learnA more about the latest developments in the Institute’s raspberry and blackberry breeding programmes, the progress in improving sustainable berry varieties and also to find out more about work on non-chemical solutions to weeds.
Dr Susan McCallum, a blueberry researcher at the Institute will discuss the BreedingValue project, which aims to address some of the global challenges currently facing blueberry breeding programmes today.
Tastes are changing
Dr McCallum said: “Consumer’s tastes are changing and production costs are increasing so growers need varieties that are productive, have low picking and management costs, good pest and disease tolerance and require reduced inputs. The BreedingValue project aims to develop a greater understanding of plant performance and how these are influenced by genetics and environment which can not only help develop the type of berries consumers want but also promote a more sustainable industry by reducing pesticide use, target water use efficiency and also waste reduction.”
Dr Joanne Russell, SSCR honorary secretary, added: “We are proud to support Fruit for the Future as the event provides an exceptional platform to ensure that soft fruit researchers and industry are fully aligned.”
The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is essential. Book your place at bit.ly/HuttonFFF22. Two BASIS points will be available to delegates.
