"Peach cultivation can still be profitable in Romagna, but only if things change. The management carried out so far is no longer viable, we advise changing strategies and mentality," explained Gasperoni.
L'Agrotecnica recommends using single-thread nets for peaches as well. "We started using them 12 years ago on cherry orchards and now employ them on all fruit species. Nets are perfect against hailstorms, heavy rain and insects and have a relatively low cost, we're talking around €13-15 thousand per hectare. We hope that the regional authorities will make funds available through rural development programs for producers to install nets."
Other recommendations for those wishing to plant peach and nectarine orchards:
1、produce AA and AAA grades, the only ones with interesting prices;
2、employ all proper techniques, especially when it comes to pruning and thinning;
3、choose varieties that are suitable for the territory and predisposed to reduce large grades;
4、choose varieties with good organoleptic techniques;
5、protect orchards with nets so as to limit the damage caused by insects, thus reducing the numbers of treatments needed;
6、 prefer nets, as they always guarantee productions thus making it possible to honor agreements taken.
"Nets are the only solution also for those growing organic fruit. Insects such as the brown marmorated stink bug, in fact, resist treatments and there are very few solutions that can be used in organic crops."
