Method for producing small fruits
The cultivation method for small fruits addresses inefficiencies by optimizing planting density and using targeted fertigation and biological pest control, resulting in high-quality, resilient fruits with low synthetic residues.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SANTORSOLA SOC COOP AGRI
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing cultivation methods for small fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are inefficient, leading to low-quality products with high residue levels of synthetic plant protection products and susceptibility to pests and weather conditions.
A cultivation method involving a planting layout of 0.3 to 2.0 plants/m² in a greenhouse, using a customized fertigation solution with specific nutrient concentrations, and integrated pest and fungicidal treatments with predatory insects and microorganisms, respectively.
Produces high-quality, resilient, and homogeneous small fruits with minimal synthetic residues, enhancing yield and reducing pest and weather vulnerabilities.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] METHOD FOR PRODUCING SMALL FRUITS
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a method for producing small fruits.
[0004] As is well known, many small fruits, in particular blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are especially delicate and therefore require considerable care and attention during both cultivation and harvesting.
[0005] In particular, the cultivation technique can affect both the yield of the harvest and the quality of the product obtained.
[0006] Improvement of the cultivation technique can, as is known, lead to the production of fruits that are more resistant to weather conditions and pests, more durable, larger, and more homogeneous in shape, size, and color, thereby reducing the percentage of non-marketable fruits that is low-quality fruits.
[0007] One of the greatest challenges is to develop an extremely productive cultivation technique for these small fruits that also achieves “Zero Residue”, meaning that the residues of synthetic plant protection products are less than or equal to 0.01 mg / kg (10 ppb).
[0008] The technical objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a virtuous and low-environmental-impact method for the production of small fruits, particularly raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, that are high-quality, safe, and healthy.
[0009] According to the present invention, the technical objective is achieved by means of a method for producing small fruits selected from raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, comprising the following steps:
[0010] - preparing a planting layout in a greenhouse comprising a number of small fruit plants ranging from 0.3 to 2.0 plants / m2of the planting layout;
[0011] - fertilizing the plants with a aqueous fertigation solution containing at least the following elements: NCb, H2PO4, SO4, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo;- performing a phytosanitary treatment including a pest control treatment and a fungicidal treatment;
[0012] wherein the pest control treatment involves the use of predatory insects and / or mites including Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii, Aphidius colemani, Orius laevigatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis;
[0013] and wherein the fungicidal treatment involves the use of a copper-based product and a microorganism-based product including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus megaterium.
[0014] Further characteristics of the present invention are defined in the following claims.
[0015] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the method for producing small fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries according to the invention.
[0016] As mentioned, the production method comprises a stage of arranging a planting layout in a greenhouse, comprising a number of small fruit plants between 0.3 and 2.0 plants / m2. Cultivation may be carried out in soil or soilless.
[0017] The plants are fertilized with a aqueous fertigation solution containing at least the following elements: NCb, H2PO4, SO4, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo.
[0018] The fertigation solution used during the vegetative phase between transplanting and fruit set may comprise the above-mentioned elements at concentrations different from the concentrations of the elements in the fertigation solution used during the reproductive phase between fruit set and the end of fruit harvesting.
[0019] Indeed, the concentration of NO3 in the fertigation solution used during the reproductive phase may be lower than the concentration of NO3 in the fertigation solution used during the vegetative phase.Furthermore, the concentration of Mg in the fertigation solution used during the reproductive phase may be higher than the concentration of Mg in the fertigation solution used during the vegetative phase.
[0020] In addition, the concentration of K in the fertigation solution used during the reproductive phase may also be higher than the concentration of K in the fertigation solution used during the vegetative phase.
[0021] Additionally, the fertigation solution used during the vegetative phase may exhibit a higher electrical conductivity compared to that used during the reproductive phase.
[0022] The method includes performing a phytosanitary treatment comprising both pest control and fungicidal treatments.
[0023] The pest control treatment involves the use of predatory insects and / or mites including Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii, Aphidius colemani, Orius laevigatus, and Phytoseiulus persimilis.
[0024] The fungicidal treatment involves the use of a copper-based product and a microorganism-based product including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus megaterium.
[0025] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, at least one release of a number of individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris ranging between 27 and 138 / m2of planting layout, at least one release of a number of individuals of Amblyseius andersoni ranging between 22 and 55 / m2of planting layout, at least one release of a number of individuals of Amblyseius swirskii ranging between 45 and 55 / m2of planting layout, at least one release of a number of individuals of Aphidius colemani ranging between 1 and 2 / m2of planting layout, at least one release of a number of individuals of Orius laevigatus ranging between 2 and 6 / m2of planting layout, and at least one release of a number of individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis ranging between 8 and 12 / m2of planting layout.The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix consisting of a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and a microorganism concentration between 0.8 and 1.2 * 108cfu / ml.
[0026] Annually, at least one application of the microorganism-based product is carried out at a dosage between 0.1 and 0.3 kg of the microorganism-based product / 100 liters of water and using 10 to 15 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0027] Annually, at least one application of the copper-based product is carried out, wherein the copperbased product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate, and where the application of the copper-based product is applied at a dosage between 1.2 and 2 kg / 1000 liters of water and using 0.8 to 1.2 liters of water / 10 m2of planting layout.
[0028] EXAMPLE OF SOILLESS RASPBERRY PRODUCTION
[0029] The cultivation of raspberries in soilless conditions is carried out using a coconut-based or peatbased substrate.
[0030] The planting layout consists of 1.3 to 2.0 plants / m2of planting layout.
[0031] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, a single release of 100 individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris / m2of planting layout, a single release of 30 individuals of Amblyseius andersoni per m2of planting layout, a single release of 50 individuals of Amblyseius swirskii / m2of planting layout, a single release of 2 individuals of Aphidius colemani / m2of planting layout, from 2 to 4 releases of 4 individuals of Orius laevigatus / m2of planting layout, and from 2 to 4 releases of 8 individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis / m2of planting layout.
[0032] The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix consisting of a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and the concentration of each microorganism is 1 x 108cfu / ml.On an annual basis, three applications of the microorganism-based product are carried out at a dosage of 0.3 kg of product / 100 liters of water, using 15 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0033] On an annual basis, two applications of the copper-based product are performed, wherein the copper-based product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate, and wherein each application is carried out at a dosage of 1.2 kg of copper-based product per 1000 liters of water and using 0.8 liters of water / 10 m2of planting layout.
[0034] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the vegetative phase of raspberry cultivation, having an electrical conductivity of 2.20 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0035]
[0036] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the reproductive phase of raspberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 1.6 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0037]
[0038] In this case, to optimize flower pollination and subsequent fruit set, it is preferable to place beehives of pollinating insects inside the greenhouse.During the flowering period, it is advisable to maintain the relative humidity in the greenhouse at a value not exceeding 70%.
[0039] To achieve this, air ventilation inside the greenhouse is provided during flowering.
[0040] Such ventilation can be obtained, for example, by opening dedicated ventilation windows in the greenhouse or tunnel structure.
[0041] EXAMPLE OF SOILLESS BLACKBERRY PRODUCTION
[0042] The cultivation of blackberries in soilless conditions is carried out using a coconut-based or peatbased substrate.
[0043] The planting layout consists of 0.8 to 1.2 plants / m2of planting area.
[0044] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, a single release of 80 individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris / m2of planting layout, a single release of 40 individuals of Amblyseius andersoni / m2of planting layout, a single release of 48 individuals of Amblyseius swirskii / m2of planting layout, a single release of 1 individual of Aphidius colemani / m2of planting layout, from 3 to 5 releases of 3 individuals of Orius laevigatus / m2of planting layout, and from 2 to 3 releases of 11 individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis / m2of planting layout.
[0045] The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix formed by a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and the concentration of each microorganism is 1.1x108cfu / ml.
[0046] On an annual basis, four applications of the microorganism-based product are performed at a dosage of 0.25 kg of microorganism-based product / 100 liters of water and using 14 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0047] On an annual basis, three applications of the copper-based product are carried out, where the copper-based product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate, and wherein the application of the copperbased product is performed at a dosage of 1.8 kg of copper-based product / 1000 liters of water and using 1.1 liters of water per 10 m2of planting layout.Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the vegetative phase of blackberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 2.20 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0048]
[0049] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the reproductive phase of blackberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 1.6 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0050]
[0051] In this case, to optimize flower pollination and subsequent fruit set, it is preferable to place beehives of pollinating insects inside the greenhouse.
[0052] During the flowering period, it is advisable to maintain the relative humidity inside the greenhouse at a value not exceeding 70%.
[0053] To achieve this, air ventilation is provided during the flowering period.
[0054] Such ventilation can be obtained, for example, by opening dedicated ventilation windows in the greenhouse or tunnel structure.
[0055] EXAMPLE OF BLACKBERRY PRODUCTION IN SOILFor blackberry cultivation in soil, the planting layout consists of 0.35 to 0.4 plants / m2of planting area.
[0056] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, a single release of 130 individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris / m2of planting layout, a single release of 25 individuals of Amblyseius andersoni / m2of planting layout, a single release of 49 individuals of Amblyseius swirskii / m2of planting layout, a single release of 1 individual of Aphidius colemani / m2of planting layout, from 2 to 5 releases of 6 individuals of Orius laevigatus / m2of planting layout, and from 3 to 4 releases of 12 individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis / m2of planting layout.
[0057] The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix composed of a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and the concentration of each microorganism is 1.15 x 108cfu / ml.
[0058] On an annual basis, two applications of the microorganism-based product are performed at a dosage of 0.2 kg of product / 100 liters of water and using 10 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0059] On an annual basis, one application of the copper-based product is carried out, where the copperbased product is a 30%tribasic copper sulfate, and wherein the application of the copper-based product is performed at a dosage of 1.9 kg of copper-based product / 1000 liters of water and using 1.2 liters of water / 10 m2of planting layout.
[0060] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the vegetative phase of blackberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 2.20 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0061]
[0062] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the reproductive phase of blackberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 1.6 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0063]
[0064] In this case, to optimize flower pollination and subsequent fruit set, it is preferable to place beehives of pollinating insects inside the greenhouse.
[0065] During the flowering period, it is advisable to maintain the relative humidity inside the greenhouse at a value not exceeding 70%.
[0066] To achieve this, air ventilation is provided inside the greenhouse during the flowering period. Such ventilation can be obtained, for example, by opening dedicated ventilation windows in the greenhouse or tunnel structure.
[0067] EXAMPLE OF SOILLESS BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION
[0068] The cultivation of blueberries in soilless conditions is carried out using a coconut-based or peatbased substrate.
[0069] The planting layout consists of 0.35 to 0.45 plants per m2of planting area.
[0070] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, for:
[0071] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, a single release of 30 individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris / m2of planting layout, a single release of 50 individuals of Amblyseius andersoni per m2of planting layout, a single release of 54 individuals of Amblyseius swirskii / m2of planting layout, a single release of 2 individuals of Aphidius colemani per m2of planting layout, from 3 to 4 releases of 3 individuals of Orius laevigatus / m2of planting layout, and from 3 to 4 releases of 11 individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis / m2of planting layout.The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix formed by a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and the concentration of each microorganism is 1.2 x 108cfu / ml.
[0072] On an annual basis, three applications of the microorganism-based product are performed at a dosage of 0.15 kg of microorganism-based product / 100 liters of water and using 13.5 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0073] On an annual basis, two applications of the copper-based product are carried out, where the copperbased product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate, and wherein the application of the copper-based product is performed at a dosage of 1.8 kg of copper-based product / 1000 liters of water and using 0.85 liters of water / 10 m2of planting layout.
[0074] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the vegetative phase of blueberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 2.20 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0075]
[0076] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the reproductive phase of blueberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 1.6 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0077]
[0078] In this case, to optimize flower pollination and subsequent fruit set, it is preferable to place beehives of pollinating insects inside the greenhouse.
[0079] During the flowering period, it is advisable to maintain the relative humidity inside the greenhouse at a value not exceeding 70%.
[0080] To achieve this, air ventilation is provided during the flowering period.
[0081] Such ventilation can be obtained, for example, by opening dedicated ventilation windows in the greenhouse or tunnel structure.
[0082] EXAMPLE OF BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION IN SOIL
[0083] For blueberry cultivation in soil, the planting layout consists of 0.35 to 0.45 plants / m2of planting area.
[0084] The pest control treatment provides, on an annual basis, a single release of 40 individuals of Neoseiulus cucumeris / m2of planting layout, a single release of 30 individuals of Amblyseius andersoni / m2of planting layout, a single release of 49 individuals of Amblyseius swirskii / m2of planting layout, a single release of 1 individual of Aphidius colemani / m2of planting layout, 2 releases of 2 individuals of Orius laevigatus / m2of planting layout, and from 4 to 5 releases of 12 individuals of Phytoseiulus persimilis / m2of planting layout.
[0085] The microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix composed of a simple, non-composted plant-based amendment, and the concentration of each microorganism is 0.8 x 108cfu / ml.
[0086] On an annual basis, two applications of the microorganism-based product are performed at a dosage of 0.3 kg of the microorganism-based product / 100 liters of water and using 10 liters of water / 100 m2of planting layout.
[0087] On an annual basis, four applications of the copper-based product are carried out, where the copper-based product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate, and wherein the application of the copper-based product is performed at a dosage of 2 kg of copper-based product / 1000 liters of water and using 1 liter of water / 10 m2of planting layout.
[0088] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the vegetative phase of blueberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 2.20 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0089]
[0090] Below is an example of the composition of the fertigation aqueous solution used during the reproductive phase of blueberry cultivation, prepared with an electrical conductivity of 1.6 mS / cm and a pH of 5.6.
[0091]
[0092] In this case, to optimize flower pollination and subsequent fruit set, it is preferable to place beehives of pollinating insects inside the greenhouse.
[0093] During the flowering period, it is advisable to maintain the relative humidity inside the greenhouse at a value not exceeding 70%.
[0094] To achieve this, air ventilation is provided in the greenhouse during the flowering period.
[0095] Such ventilation can be obtained, for example, by opening dedicated ventilation windows in the greenhouse or tunnel structure.The method for producing small fruits as conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Method for producing small fruits selected from raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry, comprising the following steps:- Preparing a planting layout in a greenhouse comprising a number of small fruit plants ranging from 0.3 to 2.0 plants / m2of the planting layout;- Fertilizing the plants with an aqueous fertigation solution including at least the following elements: NO3, H2PO4, SO4, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo;- Performing a phytosanitary treatment including a pest control treatment and a fungicidal treatment;where the pest control treatment involves the use of predatory insects and / or mites including Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirski, Aphidius colemani, Orius levigatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis; and where the fungicidal treatment involves the use of a copperbased product and a product based on microorganisms including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megaterium.
2. Method for producing small fruits according to claim 1, characterized in that the pest control treatment includes, on an annual basis, at least one release of a number of Neoseiulus cucumeris individuals ranging from 27 to 138 / m2of the planting layout, at least one release of a number of Amblyseius andersoni individuals ranging from 22 to 55 / m2of the planting layout, at least one release of a number of Amblyseius swirski individuals ranging from 45 to 55 / m2of the planting layout, at least one release of a number of Aphidius colemani individuals ranging from 1 to 2 / m2of the planting layout, at least one release of a number of Orius levigatus individuals ranging from 2 to 6 / m2of the planting layout, and at least one release of a number of Phytoseiulus persimilis individuals ranging from 8 to 12 / m2of the planting layout.
3. Method for producing small fruits according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microorganism-based product used in the fungicidal treatment has an organic matrix consisting of a non-composted simple vegetable soil improver and a concentration of individual microorganisms ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 x 108cfu / ml.
4. Method for producing small fruits according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, on an annual basis, at least one application of the microorganism-based product is provided in a dose ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 kg of microorganism-based product / 100 liters of water and using 10 to 15 liters of water / 100 m2of the planting layout.
5. Method for producing small fruits according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on an annual basis, at least one application of a copper-based product is provided, where the copper-based product is a 30% tribasic copper sulfate-based product, and where the application of the copper-based product is performed in a dose ranging from 1.2 to 2 kg of copper-based product / 1000 liters of water and using 0.8 to 1.2 liters of water / 10 m2of the planting layout.
6. Method for producing small fruits according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that for blueberry production, the number of plants ranges from 0.35 to 0.45 plants / m2of the planting layout.
7. Method for producing small fruits according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that for raspberry production, the number of plants ranges from 1.3 to 2 plants / m2of the planting layout.
8. Method for producing small fruits according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that for blackberry production, the number of plants ranges from 0.35 to 1.2 plants / m2of the planting layout.