The XIII Fruit Growing Conference and III Citrus Conference have begun in Zaragoza, marking a milestone in agronomic research. This nationally significant event brings together sector experts to share innovations and advancements in fruit and citrus cultivation.
The event was inaugurated at the CIHEAM Zaragoza headquarters, featuring prominent representatives such as Pilar Errea, managing director of CITA; Antonio López-Francos from CIHEAM Zaragoza; Francisco José Arenas, president of SECH; and María José Rubio-Cabetas, coordinator of the conference. Errea emphasized the importance of these conferences for highlighting CITA’s research lines and collaboration with SECH and CIHEAM Zaragoza.
Tribute to José Luis Espada Carbó
During the inauguration, a tribute was paid to José Luis Espada Carbó, a research technician at CTA, who passed away in January. Espada was a key collaborator in Aragonese and Spanish fruit cultivation, recognized for his work alongside the Plant Science Department at CITA. Rubio-Cabetas praised his efforts as a communicator and his role in linking research with the agricultural sector.
The inauguration included a lecture by Mercedes Iborra Broseta from VisualNacert on carbon balance in citrus cultivation. Orlando Moreno from Agromillora will present another lecture on the challenges of non-commercial fruit varieties. Over three days, the conference will provide a platform to share advancements in genetic improvement, plant material, irrigation, mechanization, and more, with the aim of promoting scientific knowledge and its technological applications.
Technical sessions and field visits
Five sessions will be held on topics such as Adaptation of Plant Material and Sustainable Production Techniques, featuring 31 presentations from researchers and experts. The Plant Science Department at CITA will present 12 oral communications and 10 posters. Additionally, there will be field visits to La Almunia de doña Godina, focusing on local fruit companies.
