Online lecture shows how to produce temperate fruit trees in a tropical environment

This Wednesday (08/09), Embrapa Cerrados continues its Training in Tropical Fruit Culture with the lecture “Temperate fruits: production system in a tropical environment”, with researcher Paulo Lopes, from Embrapa Semiárido (Petrolina, PE), from 9am on Embrapa channel on Youtube.

Research carried out by Embrapa Semiarid has demonstrated the possibility of cultivating temperate species with economic potential for irrigated areas in the Brazilian Semiarid region. Apple, pear and persimmon crops were introduced and evaluated in Petrolina, seeking new cultivation options for producers in the region. Results of research with these crops in the São Francisco Valley have demonstrated production possibilities in semi-arid tropical conditions. In Vale do São Francisco and Serra da Ibiapaba (CE), observation units were installed where yields of 10, 22 and 42 t/ha were obtained, in three consecutive harvests, of apples, traditionally produced in the Southeast and South regions of the country. The pear tree has also shown important results in fruit production. Five varieties with production potential have already been identified, reaching yields of 60 t/ha.

The persimmon tree is another fruit tree that has demonstrated great production potential, with four varieties with production potential already identified. According to research, persimmon can be produced during the national off-season (July to March) taking advantage of the climatic conditions of the semi-arid region, which will allow producers to get better prices on the market.

“The search for new cultivation options for irrigated areas is a strategic action, with the aim of promoting the diversification of production, increasing the efficiency and profitability of small, medium and large properties in the irrigated perimeters of the Northeast”, says Paulo Lopes.

“The project that introduced and evaluated performance in conditions different from those of a temperate climate, showed that it is, indeed, possible to cultivate apple, pear and persimmon trees in the Northeast of Brazil”, comments the deputy head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Semiárido, Rita Faustino. She adds that the research results also seek the possibility of increasing the efficiency and profitability of small, medium and large properties in irrigated areas in the Northeast.

“The partnership between Embrapa Semiárido and Embrapa Cerrados to carry out training in tropical fruit growing, with the presentation of our experience with species from temperate climates, cultivated in semi-arid conditions and irrigation, will enable increased knowledge and possible application in other environments like the cerrados”, adds Rita.

According to the deputy head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Cerrados, Fábio Faleiro, the demand for research, innovation and technology transfer actions on the cultivation of temperate fruits in the Cerrado region is growing. “The successful experience of growing temperate fruits in the Semiarid region is being successfully validated in the Cerrado region. In this sense, partnerships between Embrapa, Emater units and fruit growers are strategic to enhance the cultivation of temperate fruits in the Cerrado, generating business opportunities, jobs and income in the countryside and in the city”, he states.

Training in Tropical Fruit Growing is carried out by Embrapa Cerrados, Emater-DF and the Federal Superintendency of Agriculture DF (Mapa), in partnership with Emater-MG, Emater-GO, Senar and da Fruit Growing Route of the Integrated Development Region of the Federal District and Surroundings (Ride).

Other lectures

The first technical lecture of the Training had the theme “Passion fruit: cultivars, production systems and market”, and was carried out on June 15 by researcher Fábio Faleiro, from Embrapa Cerrados. The second was “Citrus: from planting to harvesting”, given by researcher Eduardo Girardi, from Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura (Cruz das Almas, BA) on June 29. The third, "Market and commercialization of fresh and processed fruits”, by Ana Maria Costa, researcher at Embrapa Cerrados, was presented on the 13th. The fourth lecture was presented on July 27th by researcher João Dimas Maia, from Embrapa Uva e Vinho (Bento Gonçalves, RS), with the theme “Table grapes: cultivars, production systems and market". 

On August 10th, the topic “Grapes for wine and juice: market, value addition and perspectives” by researcher Giuliano Pereira, from Embrapa Uva e Vinho (RS). And on the 20th, researcher Luís Eduardo Corrêa Antunes, from Embrapa Clima Temperado (RS), presented the theme "Red fruits: strawberry, blueberry and blackberry production system".

The following lectures are also scheduled, always at 9am:

"Organic cultivation: production systems in fruit growing” - Raul Rosa (Embrapa Agrobiologia) – September 21

"Native fruit trees: production systems” - Ailton Pereira (Embrapa Cerrados) – October 5

"Banana: cultivars, production systems and market” - Edson Amorim (Embrapa Cassava and Fruticulture) – October 19

"Avocado: technical instructions for commercial cultivation” - Tadeu Graciolli (Embrapa Cerrados) – November 2

"Guava: technical instructions for commercial cultivation” - Tadeu Graciolli (Embrapa Cerrados) – November 16

"Pitayas: genetic improvement and production systems” - Fábio Faleiro (Embrapa Cerrados) – November 30

"Pineapple: cultivars, production systems and market” - Aristotle de Matos – Embrapa Cassava and Fruit Culture) – December 14

"Mango: technical instructions for commercial cultivation” - Tadeu Graciolli (Embrapa Cerrados) – January 18, 2022   

Service 

Lecture: “Seasoned fruits: production system in a tropical environment” 

When: September 8, at 9pm 

Where: Embrapa Channel on Youtube