Growing organic apples in Europe

Description

This chapter reviews key research areas involved in organic apple production, and covers the development of suitable varieties and rootstocks, soil fertility management and strategies for maintaining apple tree health. A number of case studies are then considered in order to show how research can have real practical impacts, for example, by adding to the organic farmer’s toolbox of disease control strategies.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Developing varieties and rootstocks suited to organic farming (OF) systems 3 Improving soil fertility management 4 Strategies for improving plant health care: pest and disease control, regulation of crop set and tree growth 5 Strategies for improving ecosystem services 6 Case studies 7 Future trends in research 8 Where to look for further information 9 References