The second CrackSense Consortium meeting took place at the Agricultural University of Athens, bringing together project partners to discuss progress, refine strategies, and plan for the next steps in mitigating fruit cracking.
Over three days, consortium partners collaborated on data integration, pilot site advancements, and the development of a robust Decision Support System. The meeting not only strengthened the scientific foundation of the project but also reinforced the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges.
Day 1: Integrating Data for a Comprehensive Model
The first day of the meeting set the stage with an in-depth discussion of the achievements across various Work Packages. Partners reflected on key milestones reached so far, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
A key focus of the discussions was the upscaling of the sensing tool, which involves integrating various data types – ground measurements, flight data, meteorological information, and cracking intensity – into a unified model. This model will be tested and refined during piloting activities and will play a crucial role in enhancing the precision of fruit cracking monitoring and prediction
The collaborative approach ensured that diverse expertise was harnessed to refine the methodology, ensuring its applicability across different environmental conditions and crop types.
Day 2: Refining Pilot Sites and Strengthening the Decision Support System
The second day was dedicated to scaling up sensing technologies and refining pilot site activities. Partners conducted an in-depth review of each pilot location – spanning Israel, Greece, continental France, Corsica, and Lithuania. Discussions focused on pilot design improvements, defining precise timelines, and optimising data collection strategies. The result was a comprehensive work plan tailored for each pilot site, ensuring that data collection aligns with the specific needs of the region and crop.
A key highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop on transitioning from a repository database to a Decision Support System (DSS). Led by Georgia Nikolakopoulou and Sofia Mouseti, with support from Tarin Paz Kagan, the workshop focused on enhancing the system’s usability and effectiveness. This transition is crucial for development of a fully-functional, data-based Decision Support System.
Day 3: Field Visits and Industry Engagement
The final day of the meeting took the discussions from the conference room to the field. Partners visited an experimental field in Kiato, where they were guided by the Agricultural University of Athens and Pegasus Agrifood Coop – 7Grapes.
While the growing season for table grapes is still ahead, the team explored strategies for crop labeling and data collection using the multi-sensor Tommy system. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss challenges posed by climate instability and droughts, which are becoming increasingly critical factors affecting fruit growers.
To further bridge the gap between research and industry, the consortium was hosted by the Lafazanis Winery. Here, partners were introduced to the winery’s transgenerational expertise in wine production, followed by an engaging wine-tasting session. This experience underscored the importance of integrating traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technological advancements to ensure sustainability and resilience in the industry.
Looking Ahead: Towards a Smarter Approach to Fruit Cracking Mitigation
The second CrackSense Consortium meeting in Athens marked a significant step forward in the collective effort to combat fruit cracking through innovative sensing technologies and data-driven solutions. By fostering collaboration between research institutions, agricultural enterprises, and technology providers, the project continues to lay the groundwork for more resilient fruit production systems.
With the next consortium meeting set to take place in Novi Sad, Serbia, the CrackSense partners are committed to further refining their methodologies and scaling up their impact. The advancements made during this gathering serve as a solid foundation for future developments, ensuring that the fight against fruit cracking remains a priority in precision agriculture.
See you next year in Novi Sad! Until then, follow our journey by checking out our Newsroom and connecting with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
