VIII International Highbush Blueberry Conference in a 3-day formula

This year, the 8th International Blueberry Conference, which will take place on 4th ? 6th March in Jachranka (Warszawianka Hotel), will last for three days. The slogan of this year's blueberry meeting is CHANGES that have already been made on the blueberry market, or will need to be made in the near future. This topic will be discussed during this year's lectures at the International Highbush Blueberry Conference. How to establish new plantations?This question cannot be answered briefly and unequivocally. How to choose and prepare cultivation location, how to choose a cultivation system? Maybe it is better to grow blueberries in containers? In order not to be surprised after planting the plants, you must also check the soil for pests and prepare it well in terms of nutrient availability for plants. There are many such issues, and they are particularly important in relation to blueberry, which is a long-lived plant. Therefore, consequences of decisions made at the stage of establishing a plantation will be felt for the next dozen, if not several dozen years. That is why on 4th March we will start the International Blueberry Conference with training on trends and challenges in the field of establishing new blueberry plantations. The latest knowledge about blueberry cultivationThe main conference day on 5th March will be devoted to current issues related to blueberry cultivation. We divided it into agrotechnical and market parts. You will learn what are the possibilities and benefits of growing blueberries in containers. A lecture on this topic will be given by an advisor from Great Britain - Dennis Wilson representing Delphy UK. In his speech he will point out the technical aspects of growing blueberries in containers, such as the selection of appropriate containers and substrates, preparation of an irrigation system and, of course, ensuring adequate water quality and the composition of nutrients used for blueberry fertilization. A fully yielding blueberry bush needs up to 6 liters of water a day. Moreover, proper frequency of irrigation is also important as it is sometimes necessary to give two cycles of irrigation per hour - says Dennis Wilson, inviting you to listen to the full lecture during the Blueberry Conference on 5th March. Bushes on plantations reveal variations in the genetics of the same varieties more and more often. Why do the same varieties grow and bear fruit very well on one plantation, while elsewhere the plants look quite different? Many blueberry growers are facing this dilemma, and Filip Cupak, production manager at the German plantation Werner Spargelhof Deinste in Germany, decided to analyze it. Initially, differences in the growth of individual plants were clearly visible within the 'Duke' variety, unfortunately soon we saw similar changes in the 'Draper', 'Liberty' and 'Aurora' varieties. I will try to explain and answer a few questions that can explain the mechanisms of degeneration Off Type - he says in the announcement of his speech. An important issue in the near future may be mechanical harvest of blueberries. We discussed this topic during the Blueberry Conference 2019, and the speech of Hans Liekens from Fall Creek will be its continuation. This is a very important issue in terms of growing blueberry production throughout Europe and the increasingly limited labor resources. Will manual picking of fruit still be possible and reasonable in this situation? Will it become necessary to reach for machines that can replace the work of human hands? However, to make this possible, you should now plan your plantations and plant well-selected varieties. This topic will be the subject of a presentation of the expert from the Netherlands. What about blueberry trade in Europe? They are already available all year round, but is worth emphasizing that consumers are more aware of what they are buying. Modern consumers want to be well informed and have knowledge about the origin and value of the product they are buying. This is a contemporary challenge for producers to adapt to the needs of consumers in terms of both the quality of fruit and the way they are given to consumers - says Blanca Escrig from DAIFRESSH Spain. The speaker will present current requirements of blueberry recipients in Europe, as well as what to expect in the coming years. This is only a foretaste of speeches that await the participants of the International Highbush Blueberry Conference 2020. In total, 13 lectures will be given, and the conference will be summarized by a debate during which we will seek the answer to the question: Who will pick blueberries in Europe? An extremely important topic, if not crucial for the future of blueberry business. The third day will be held outdoorsPractice is as important as theoretical knowledge for growers. That is why the third day of the International Highbush Blueberry Conference will be held outdoors on a blueberry plantation in Dolecko near Skierniewice. Blueberry bush pruning demonstrations will be organized there, as well as demonstrations of machinery and cultivation technologies. There will be an opportunity to talk and consult with advisers and exchange experiences. The Blueberry Conference is a great opportunity to obtain the latest knowledge about blueberry cultivation, but not only. The exhibition part will showcase over 70 companies related to blueberry business. Therefore, it will be an opportunity to get acquainted with the latest offer of suppliers of production means and technologies. The Blueberry Conference gathers everyone professionally related to the blueberry business, offering the latest knowledge, contacts and solutions necessary for further business development. You have to be there! For more information please visit our website: https://www.konferencjaborowkowa.pl/ Program