The technological revolution in table tomatoes in the new Macfrut Academy video lesson

With more than 5.3 million tonnes of produce handled annually, table tomatoes are now one of the most important supply chains for the Italian agri-food industry, thanks in part to technology and innovative varieties, which are helping the industry to grow and develop. This topic is addressed in the latest video lesson of the Macfrut Academy, the innovative digital platform for professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector, scheduled for Thursday 17 April at 5 pm (Italian time). Access to the episode is free of charge, but registration is required on the platform: https://academy.macfrut.com/ 

The Academy will be taking a look at the entire value chain of table tomatoes, from variety research and cultivation techniques to cutting-edge nursery, fertigation and mechanised harvesting technologies. The tomato supply chain will also be the focus of an event at the upcoming Macfrut trade fair (Rimini Expo Centre, 6-8 May), namely the third edition of Pianeta Rosso (Red Planet), which will offer a truly immersive journey from the field to the final consumer. 

The video lesson on Thursday 17 April, hosted by journalist Maicol Mercuriali, will start at the base of the supply chain, from the seed. Genetic improvement is a critical factor in addressing today’s increasingly complex agronomic and climatic challenges. HM.CLAUSE, a leading company in the tomato breeding sector, will talk about how specific hybrid varieties are being developed to meet the needs of the various production areas in Italy and worldwide. Key aspects include resistance to diseases such as nematodes, bacteriosis, viruses and peronospora, water adaptability and the ability to produce high yields with consistent fruit quality. Such objectives need to be pursued in close collaboration with growers in order to verify the expected performance of new varieties in the field. 

The second part of the video lesson will provide an in-depth look at nursery technologies with Idromeccanica Lucchini, an Italian company with over 70 years of experience in the design and construction of professional greenhouses. During the delicate processes of planting, germination and transplanting, there are several factors that need to be carefully considered, including light, humidity and temperature. 

The lesson will also cover fertigation technologies and mechanised harvesting, which are key elements of a sustainable and efficient supply chain. Lucchini will also be presenting innovations in the fertigation sector, which, thanks to the use of intelligent sensors, allow for significant water savings and the targeted use of fertilisers. 

With regard to mechanised harvesting, the video lesson will provide an overview of the latest technological innovations from Guaresi, a company specialising in the design and manufacture of tomato harvesters. Particular emphasis will be placed on advanced systems for optimal separation of tomatoes from the plant, as well as visual selection of fruit and digital monitoring of the harvest, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the field is left in the best possible condition. 

The video lesson is scheduled for Thursday 17 April at 5 pm on Macfrut Academy, the innovative digital platform for professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector. An agile and prestigious scientific platform that provides insight into key issues and keeps fruit and vegetable supply chain professionals up to date with the latest industry news. All episodes are also available on demand by registering on the platform.  

Info: academy@macfrut.com

Register here to watch the free video lesson: https://academy.macfrut.com/