April - September 2010Activities involved further development of the new transnational cultivar trial, with planning, distribution of plant material, agreement on sampling, and analysis protocols. In addition considerable national activities have been established to improve sustainability practises in growing berries (organic production, spray technologies, UV light technologies, optimisation of water and nutrients).
Significant advances have been made in the study of the genetics of soft fruit human health beneficial components in both raspberry and blackcurrant. Health benefits of berry fruit have been identified in the areas of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
A series of new project activities focussed on adaptation to temperature has been established. A transnational review on the impact of climate change of soft fruit has been initiated. In addition, a considerable number of communication and promotional activities have taken place with public, industry, science and political sectors.
October 2009 - March 2010 All ClimaFruit project activities are focused on delivering innovation through introducing novel approaches to the berryfruit industry. Activities in the initial period have included evaluating, testing and finding solutions to the performance of new plant material, new production methodologies, development of new protocols and practises including growing under protected environments, optimising spray technologies, determining alternative technologies to spraying.
A new transnational cultivar trial was establishing across the 5 partner countries and considerable activities were carried out on increasing the knowledge on sustainability of berries. Focusing on adaptation strategies, studies were carried out to determine the potential impact of climate change on fruit quality. These preliminary studies showed that minor temperature changes can significantly altered fruit quality from what is currently considered ideal.
Outcomes from the activities in this reporting period have been continuously communicated to industry partners. Climafruit is working closely with industry representatives (including Industry Boards, industry stakeholders, SMEs, consultants) to transfer and promote the new knowledge generated through this project to ensure its implementation.
ClimaFruit has established a transnational and horizontal network of researchers as well as a transnational Political Reference Group, with 2 members representing each participating nation.
This period involved launching the project through a significant volume of promotional activities with public, industry, science and political sectors via a variety of formats. A significant level of scientific publications was released in relation to the ClimaFruit project. A project website was established: www.climafruit.com.
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