The research project on kiwifruit mortality funded under the Operational Programme of theCommon market organisation (CMO) of fruit and vegetables continues also this year. After the activities conducted in 2024, which they provided valuable data on the interactions between hail protection and satellite monitoring, the 2025 research program will focus on detection of critical issues in crops, providing tools for more effective and sustainable agronomic management, through the use of advanced technologies.
The activities, which will concern 3 agricultural companies in the province of Latina, aim to Optimize agronomic practices to reduce the impact of kiwifruit decline.
Launch of real-time satellite monitoring
The first phases of the 2025 project saw the identification of sample plots and preliminary inspections on the farm, necessary to guarantee an accurate data collection. The observation period will cover the'time frame between March 1st and November 30th, allowing a monitoring of crop growth conditions throughout the agricultural season. The use of TETHYS technologies will be central in'variable analysis which affect the health of kiwi plants.
Vigour maps and vegetative stress reporting
One of the key tools will be Watch, a advanced monitoring system which will allow us to process vigor maps for each sample plot. These maps will help to promptly identify any water, nutritional or phytopathological deficiencies. In case of anomalies found in the vegetation and biophysical indices, the manufacturer will be notified and invited to carry out a direct inspection on the campo. Following the inspection, will provide feedback on the possible causes of the detected stress, such as the recent replacement of a plant or problems with irrigation systems. The analyses will be carried out in parallel on systems covered by anti-hail tarps and uncovered systems.

Water balance and irrigation optimization
Another fundamental aspect of the research will concern the daily calculation of actual evapotranspiration of crops. Through the analysis of the satellite and meteorological data, a will be drawn up specific water balance for each plot monitored. The comparison between the plant's water requirement and the quantities of water actually administered will allow to identify any over-irrigation situations, one of the possible causes of the kiwi decline.
Refinement of cultivation parameters
The 2025 activities will allow for further refine the cultivation parameters used by TETHYS for thekiwifruit. In particular, it will be possible determine more precisely the duration of the different phenological phases under different growth conditions. These information they will be essential to provide farmers with increasingly effective tools in the management of their crops, improving the sustainability and productivity of kiwifruit plants.
The kiwi CMO project continue then represent a point of reference for research and innovation in the sector, with the aim of effectively combating kiwifruit decline and ensuring a more sustainable future for the cultivation of this important fruit species.
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