Control production so as not to saturate the markets, was just one of the messages launched during the 35th edition of the IKO, Internazional Kiwi Conference.
The Iko conference in Spain.
Giampiero Reggirodi from Apo Conerpo attended as part of the Italian delegation. "After the initial fear generated by bacteriosis, the productive areas started to live with the disease. Orchards affected were replaced and it emerged that New Zealand, Chile and Italy have started planting again. It would be better not to exaggerate though, otherwise overproduction could lead to a drop in prices."
Giampiero Reggidori, third from right.. Then: Patrizio Neri, Elisa Macchi and Gabriele Ferri.
Psa has been kept under control over the past 2-3 years thanks to another factor - the bacteria thrives in cold winters and temperatures were mild in the past two years. In addition, growers learned to carry out targeted treatments and to better manage pruning, irrigation and fertilization.
"Some countries even used antibiotics against Psa. It is forbidden to do so in Italy, so we preferred prevention and agronomic management. I don't believe antibiotics represent a solution to the problem anyway."
One of the topics also discussed was the early harvesting of Hayward kiwis in some areas in Italy. Kiwigold consortium President, Patrizio Neri, said that "unfortunately, harvesting too soon is not good for customer retention as kiwis harvested in early September cannot have a good quality."
In addition to Reggidori and Neri, Elisa Macchi from Cso, Gabriele Ferri from Naturitalia, Cristina Fabbroni (kiwigold), Roberto Bressi (Kiwigold Cile), Casiraghi (Spreafico), Thomas Bosi (Cso) and Mauro Marchetti (Agrintesa) were also part of the delegation.