3. Stone fruit forum at expoSE
For the second time, the Association of South German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers (VSSE) is organizing the Stone Fruit Forum as part of the expoSE trade fair with VSSE board member Dominic Ell, berry and stone fruit producer from Beerenhof Ell in Oberkirch, and co-organizer Herbert Knuppen.
The program:
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., lecture forum at the VSSE booth in Hall 2
Mechanical weed control – a comparison of current equipment
Speaker: Alexander Zimmermann, Technology & Business Development Department, Bavarian State Research Center for Viticulture and Horticulture (LWG)
Alexander Zimmermann will present various machines for mechanical tree strip maintenance in fruit growing, which can offer an alternative or supplement to herbicide use in these areas. The machines include powered rotary tools, trailed undercutting tools, disc harrows, mowers, and brushes. He will emphasize the practicality of these machines.
Irrigation in stone fruit: Water requirements of the plants - Irrigation management - Irrigation control
Speaker: Elke Immik, Fruit Growing Advisory and Experimentation Department, Agricultural Economics Division, DLR Rheinhessen-Nahe-Hunsrück
The year 2026 has so far proven to be extremely dry with very high temperatures. According to the long-term forecast of the German Weather Service, this trend could continue in the coming years. We must therefore expect longer periods of drought and many hot days. These heat waves are particularly damaging to trees in unirrigated orchards, which are already stressed by the drought. Trees that have not yet been harvested are at risk of heat damage and sunburn on the fruit. Even harvested trees, especially those in light soils, can show significant signs of drought stress. Their vitality suffers, and this can be noticeable in subsequent years. In isolated cases, total tree loss is even possible.
Elke Immik will demonstrate how to achieve efficient irrigation management on the farm and which effective techniques can be used to optimally utilize the scarce resource of water. She will also discuss options for water development and what needs to be considered in this process.
Almond cultivation in Germany – a niche crop with potential
Speaker: Peter Hilsendegen, Fruit Growing Advisory and Experimentation Department, Horticulture Division, DLR Rheinhessen-Nahe-Hunsrück
German farmers, winegrowers, and fruit growers are increasingly seeking diversification opportunities. Almond cultivation is seen by many as an attractive option. This growing interest in nuts is partly due to increasing awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable food production among both consumers and producers.
One of the major advantages of German almonds is their sustainability, starting with responsible water management, circular economy practices, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Added to this is the almond's exceptionally complete nutritional profile, with a high proportion of plant-based proteins (making it possible to produce chocolate for vegetarians and vegans), calcium, and unsaturated fats – all qualities that make it one of the healthiest snacks on the market. So, does almond cultivation in Germany offer a viable future?
What are the risks, what are the opportunities, and which varieties are suitable? Peter Hilsendegen from the Fruit Growing Advisory and Experimentation Department of the Horticultural Service Center for Rural Areas Rheinhessen-Nahe Hunsrück will report on the experiences already gained in almond cultivation.