| title: |
Marja- ja puuviljakasvatuse taimekaitse täiustamine ning võrdlev uurimine tava ja maheviljeluses |
| reg no: |
PM4 |
| project type: |
Põllumajandusministeeriumi põllumajanduslike rakendusuuringute ja arendustegevuse toetus |
| subject: |
4.2. Crop Sciences (inc. Horticulture)
|
| status: |
accepted |
| institution: |
Polli Institute of Horticulture
Institute |
| head of project: |
Kersti Kahu |
| duration: |
01.01.2003 - 31.12.2006 |
| description: |
There are not many commercial producers of organic fruits and berries at present. However, due to environmental reasons the importance of organic farming in world has increased. Organic farming is distinguished from conventional agriculture by exercising particular respect for the environment. The use of industrially produced pesticides and artificial fertilizers is not allowed in organic farming. In 1998 the new research project for organic farming with six plum cultivars was started at the Polli Horticultural Institute. In 2002 two red current cultivars, three black current cultivars, four strawberry cultivars and six apple cultivars were added to this project. Five of six new apple cultivars used in this project were bred at the Polli Horticultural Institute by Kalju Kask. The objective of the investigation is to compare the production potential of organic farming with the conventional ones and to find out the best cultivars of various crops for organic farming. The project will give special focus to effects of biological diversity and natural pesticides to control of pests and diseases. The essential task is also to sort out all advances and shortcomings of organic farming. Some natural preparates for organic farming and new chemical preparates for conventional agriculture will be tested. It is interesting to determine the economical effectiveness in both cases of farming. Also it will be important to organize the summerschools on theme of organic farming and give practical recommendations for farmers. The results of investigations will be published in horticultural publications. This project should be very useful for all country people who cultivate already or will be cultivated fruits or berries either in conventional or in organic farming. All Estonians will benefit by this project, their food will be healthy and qualitative. The organic farming will improve the soil structure. Therefore the soil fertility will be increased too. It may be assumed that market for organic food products will be grown in future. The following results will be expected of project studied:1. In organic farming only scab resistant apple cultivars will be suitable for cultivating; in conventional agriculture the cultivar choices must be made with market demands in mind. 2. In strawberry cultivation the choice of the cultivars will be primary both with organic farming and conventional agriculture;3. The most perspective cultivar in organic farming will probably be the red currant;4. The cultivation various fruit and berry crops together will decrease the damages caused by diseases and pests. |