ALERTFLORS - Development of an alert system to improve the sustainable control of monilinia laxa in almond trees

The working group led by Borges Agricultural & Industrial Nuts SA, together with Ametlles Vicens SL, Ocean Almond SL and Fruits Secs de las Garrigues SCCL, with the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) participating as a research centre, is carrying out the innovative pilot project ALERTFLORS.

In recent years, almond tree cultivation has experienced an important boom in the world and also in Spain. New varieties with better agronomic performance have been introduced, incorporating new, more intensive production models. These changes in the crop have led to pressure from new diseases as well as others that were thought to be under control, such as moniliosis caused by Monilinia laxa, which are currently causing concern in the sector due to the loss of competitiveness in a booming market. It is therefore essential to improve knowledge of these diseases, understand their life cycle, identify the environmental factors, as well as susceptible varieties, that influence their incidence and severity, in order to implement sustainable strategies that improve their management and mitigate the losses they cause.

The general objective of ALERTFLORS is to design and study the technical effectiveness of an alert system that indicates when there is a risk of infection by Monilinia laxa in almond trees. Therefore, the aim is to know the optimal and most effective time to apply fungicides and it is hoped to be able to manage the disease in an environmentally and economically sustainable way for the farmer.

Action of the Strategic Plan of the PAC 2023-2027 co-financed by: