Fundecitrus participates in the 14th International Citrus Congress, in Türkiye

Fundecitrus researchers participated in the 14th International Citrus Congress (ICC 2022) held in Mersin, Turkey, from November 6th to 11th.

The theme of the event was “Reshaping Citrus Farming: Better Connections for the Future”, and brought together participants from public and private research institutions, as well as the citrus production and commercial sector, with the aim of deepening their knowledge about citrus farming and defining new policies for the future. Representatives from 28 countries participated in the congress, including the United States, South Africa, Australia, Israel and several European countries.

The event was attended by Fundecitrus researchers Franklin Behlau, Geraldo Silva Jr and Silvio Lopes, and post-doctoral students Deived Carvalho, Isabela Primiano and Rafaele Moreira, who presented lectures and displayed research panels developed by Fundecitrus and its partners. During the congress, they were able to follow different scientific activities and even participated in field visits in the Mersin and Adana regions.

According to Fundecitrus researcher Franklin Behlau, in addition to the lectures, the team had the opportunity to learn about packing houses, citrus orchards and the main challenges of local citrus farming. “After six years of ICC 2016 held in Brazil, we were able to meet with several professionals from other countries. The congress addressed the various aspects of citrus farming, and the phytosanitary aspect was in evidence. He also highlighted research related to the involvement of the microbiological population of the roots and aerial part of citrus plants with the occurrence of greening and those focused on the treatment of diseased plants. This interaction with researchers from other countries was fundamental for future partnerships”, highlights Behlau.

Currently, Turkey has around 160 thousand hectares of citrus, and an estimated production of 4 million tons per year. Of the total produced, 36% is tangerines and hybrids, 31% oranges, 27% lemons and 5% pomelos. Production is exported mainly to Russia and other countries in the independent United States, the Middle East and the European Union. 

For Fundecitrus researcher Geraldo Silva Jr, the event was essential to expand the network of contacts with other professionals, as well as to learn about innovations in different areas of citriculture. “The main diseases that threaten Brazilian citrus farming, such as greening, early blight, leprosis, citrus canker and floral rot, do not affect Turkish orchards. However, citrus growers have had problems with dry disease, a disease caused by a fungus, mainly in lemon orchards, which is quarantined in Brazil”, explains Silva Jr.

The event was organized by different institutions and companies in Türkiye. The next Congress is scheduled for 2024, in South Korea.