Organic fruit growing

In this chapter we have explained several system-inherent factors of organic fruit growing that can improve fruit quality. However, with the intensification of organic fruit production currently under way worldwide (e.g. more intensive nitrogen application on horticultural crops), there is a risk of quality decrease. Therefore, technical progress in organic farming should be closely and scientifically monitored for (side) effects on food quality, possibly in a holistic view that also includes environmental, social and human health criteria. 

CAB International 2003. Organic Fruit Growing K. Lind, C. Lafer, K. Schloffer, C. Innerhofer and H. Meister)... 

Conversion of a conventionally run production unit to organic fruit growing... 

Attitude of the grower to organic fruit growing (positive+1, neutral 0, negative-1)... 

This means the interaction of fruit plants with each other and the interaction of fruit plants with the fauna and flora present. In organic fruit growing, the aim is to increase biological diversity, i.e. provide a hiotope for a rich fauna and flora. An organically managed orchard presents an ideal comhination of different ecological elements. 

Fig. 4.7. Biennial bearing is one of the biggest problems in organic fruit growing.

LIME SULPHUR SOLUTION. Lime sulphur solution is one of the most important fungicides in organic fruit growing. A thinning effect was observed in some trials. Use of 20-40 kg/ha (2,0-4.0%) at full bloom is recommended. Cultivar sensitivity and possible side effects on beneficial fauna should be determined by careful experimentation. 

The few pesticides that are allowed in organic fruit growing are all of plant or mineral origin. 

In organic fruit growing, the main focus of attention should not be the individual treatments against various pests and diseases but the establishment of a diverse and largely self-regulating fauna and flora. 

The following products for plant protection are permitted for use in organic fruit growing in EU Regulation 2092/91 ... 

Organic fruit growing is in vogue. Not only does it make a valuable contribution to tbe protection of tbe environment, in areas with predominantly small farms it also helps to provide jobs in rural communities. 

Without the excellent collaboration between all tbe people involved in the project, it would have been impossible to produce this book, which represents an attempt to bring together knowledge and experience of organic fruit growing from a number of fruit-growing areas of Europe. 

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