- On 25 and 26 September 2024, CIHEAM Zaragoza will host an international seminar on the current situation and future prospects for nut plant material in the Mediterranean
- The event will be an opportunity for professionals in the nut industry to assess the needs of plant material and genetic resources to meet environmental and market demands
Zaragoza, 1 August 2024.- CIHEAM Zaragoza and the Agri-Food Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA) organise an international seminar on nut plant material in the Mediterranean addressed to researchers and professionals involved in the cultivation and sustainability of nuts.
The Mediterranean region, whose climatic conditions are favourable for nut cultivation, faces emerging challenges that require plant breeding innovation and genetic improvement. The future of nut production depends on the development of new, resilient plant varieties capable of withstanding climate change, pests, and diseases, while meeting evolving market demands.
Ongoing research emphasises the importance of identifying and preserving valuable genetic material to enhance breeding programmes. Access to diverse genetic resources enables breeders to select traits for improved yield, drought resistance, and pest tolerance. This selection process can be accelerated by the application of biotechnology and genomic tools, leading to the creation of superior cultivars.
The international seminar, to be held over two days, aims to:
- Day 1: assess the current situation of the plant material, including varieties, ecotypes, and rootstocks of key nut species such as almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts, walnuts, stone pines, and pistachios. Attendees will draw up a list of existing plant materials in Mediterranean countries and their situation in terms of protection and commercial availability. They will also identify needs on research, innovation and knowledge exchange for more adapted plant materials to support the sector. The day will feature an opening presentation addressing industry challenges, followed by species-specific presentations by experts from various Mediterranean countries and a concluding general discussion.
- Day 2: provide a practical perspective on the topics discussed through a field trip to Caspe, near Zaragoza (Spain), where participants will visit nut plantations and nurseries.
The event counts with the collaboration of El Vivero de Abel (nursery) and Afruccas (Association of fruit growers of Caspe).
JOIN US FOR THIS INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
- Date: 25 and 26 September 2024*
- Time: 09:00 - 18:30 CET
- Venue: On line and face-to-face at CIHEAM Zaragoza
- Working language: English
- Programme: download here
*Attendance (face-to-face or online) to the first day of the seminar is open. Participation in the field visit on 26 September is by invitation only.