UniRC Agriculture | The SOI Actinidia Working Group's Technical Days, held on September 7th and 8th in Calabria, have concluded.
The Technical Days of the SOI Actinidia Working Group, held on September 7 and 8 in Calabria under the coordination of Prof. Cristos Xiloyannis, President of the SOI Actinidia Working Group, have concluded.
The initiative was organized by the Committee composed of Cristos Xiloyannis; Rocco Zappia, Gregorio Gullo, Antonio Dattola, Valentino Branca (UNIRC), and Dr. Giovanni Previtera (Apofruit), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture at the Università Mediterranea. The event was also attended by key local institutions: Professor Giuseppe Zimbalatti, Rector of the University; Professor Marco Poiana, Director of the Department; Dr. Alessandro Guagliardi, President of the Regional Federation of Agronomists and Foresters; and Dr. Michele Rocco Valenzise, President of the Provincial Order.
The first day began with a technical field visit between Rosarno and Nicotera, to an Apofruit member company represented by Giovanni Previtera, Francesco Larocca, and Fabio Marocchi. During the visit, participants were able to directly experience local production, observing the management techniques employed and the issues related to the main kiwifruit diseases. A significant moment was dedicated to excavation and direct observation of the root system, which allowed Professor Dichio to examine root conditions in the field and the relationships between soil structure and management, water availability, and oxygenation, fostering an interesting exchange between academics, technicians, and entrepreneurs.
The scientific session on September 8, coordinated by Professor Cristos Xiloyannis and Dr. Ugo Palara, explored the sector's key challenges and innovations. Gregorio Gullo (UNIRC) highlighted the role of kiwifruit in crop diversification; Marco Mastroleo (Zespri) presented the latest results on dieback management; Leonardo Schena (UNIRC) illustrated the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors; Francesco Spinelli (UNIBO) discussed the plant's physiological responses; and Bartolomeo Dichio (UNIBAS) analyzed the agronomic balance between water, oxygen, and roots. The topic of rootstocks was addressed through complementary contributions from Davide Nari (Agrion) and Giovanni Santi and Mirco Montefiori, while Gianni Tacconi (CREA-GB) highlighted the management implications. The quality of the fruit and innovations in the supply chain were explored in depth by Antonio Dattola (UNIRC), Maurizio Quartieri (UNIBO), Cristina Fabbroni (Jingold), Gianni Ceredi (Apofruit), Gessica Altieri (UNISA) and Anna De Vizio (KBC).
Benedetto Linaldeddu (UNIPD) presented a detailed and updated analysis of Botryosphaeriaceae , an emerging problem of growing concern for the supply chain, providing useful insights into understanding and managing these diseases. Finally, Francesco Ruggia (Retilplast) illustrated the role of shade nets in mitigating climate stress.
The Technical Days confirmed the strength of the collaboration between research, production, and institutions, highlighting a responsive, dynamic, and forward-looking supply chain. The work undertaken represents a significant step toward Italy's participation in the XII International Symposium on Kiwifruit (ISHS 2027), which will bring together the international kiwifruit scientific community in Matera.
