Work Packages and Activities
The project is structured into four work packages covering research, analytical, and organizational activities aimed at improving fruit production systems and strengthening sector resilience.
Nursery Production
The research will be conducted during 2026 and 2027 on M9 and MM106 apple rootstocks, with the application of four commercial biostimulants (amino acids, brown algae, protein hydrolysate, and silicon) and an untreated control. Growth, leaf morphology, photosynthetic pigments, and grafting success will be monitored in an experiment organized according to a randomized block design (300 rootstocks/seedlings) in a nursery located in Zagreb County.
Impact of biostimulants on the fruit quality of cherry and strawberry
The research encompasses the impact of biostimulants on the fruit quality of cherry and strawberry in commercial orchards within Zagreb County over three growing seasons (2026–2028). In the cherry orchard, the effects of an amino acid preparation and brown algae extract will be examined, while in the strawberry orchard, a biostimulant based on organic microalgae will be tested. Pomological, physico-chemical, and bioactive properties of the fruit will be analyzed, and the obtained data will be statistically processed to determine the effect of the treatments on fruit quality.
Dissemination of Results
The obtained results will be presented at international scientific and professional conferences, and scientific papers will be published.
Results from each research year will be presented in the annual Report as well as on the project’s website.
Project Management
Ensuring timely and reliable implementation of project activities. This includes coordination of the project team, administrative and financial monitoring, and reporting to the relevant authorities. Emphasis is placed on transparency, efficiency, and high-quality execution of all planned tasks.