Project
Title
Blühverzögerung von Obstbäumen zur Erhöhung der Ertragssicherheit
Acronym
Blühverzögerung
Start
01.09.2026
End
31.12.2028
Coordinating Institute
Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt für Gartenbau und Arboristik e.V
Partner
Landesamt für Landwirtschaft und Ländlichen Raum Thüringen
BB Obst Brandenburg
Institut für Mikroelektronik- und Mechatronik-Systeme gemeinnützige GmbH
Havelfrucht GmbH
Serviceverband Gartenbau Thüringen
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Summary
The EIP project aims to reduce crop losses in fruit production caused by late frosts. By deliberately delaying the budding and blossoming of fruit trees, the risk of frost damage to sensitive flowers and young fruit is minimized, thereby increasing yield security.
The method employed is over-tree sprinkling during previous winter months. The resulting evaporative cooling naturally slows down the development of the buds. This technique may provide a feasible alternative to conventional frost protection. The project will test various sprinkler types and sprinkling intervals under the specific conditions in Brandenburg to optimize their efficiency and water consumption. A key innovation is the use of modern measurement technology: sensor systems developed at ATB will capture the cooling effect with high spatial resolution directly on the surfaces of hundreds of buds. This data allows for precise control and optimization of water usage. The project will evaluate the achieved flowering delay, the effects on yield and fruit quality, and the overall practical applicability of the method.
Funding
Europäische Union - Europäischer Landwirtschaftsfonds für die Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums
