The Open Day at the cherry orchard brought together farmers, researchers, and innovators to see CrackSense technologies in action. Hosted at “Šarmingas sodas”, the sweet cherry orchard of Tomas Šarmavičius in Kapčiškės village, the event offered an opportunity to explore how advanced sensing solutions can help reduce fruit cracking in high-value crops.
The aim of the Open Day at the cherry orchard was simple: to provide a practical demonstration of CrackSense tools and show how data-driven insights can support growers in managing one of the most persistent challenges in fruit production.
Understanding the Challenge of Fruit Cracking
Fruit cracking is a common problem for cherries, as well as other high-value crops such as citrus, grapes, and pomegranates. In sweet cherries, extended periods of surface wetness are a major factor in causing the skin to split. Cracking becomes particularly severe in regions where rain occurs shortly before or during harvest.
When more than a quarter of the fruit in an orchard is affected, harvesting is no longer economically viable because cracked fruit cannot be sold on the fresh market. In addition, surface cracks provide entry points for pathogens, leading to rot that can spread to nearby healthy fruit.
With increasingly unpredictable weather and higher expectations for large, quality fruit, growers are under growing pressure. How can research support them in reducing these losses? The Open Day at the cherry orchard offered an opportunity to explore solutions designed to tackle these challenges.
Field Demonstrations in Action
The event began with a welcome from Egidijus of Beta via, the Lithuanian host partner. Participants then joined a guided orchard tour, observing local cherry varieties and discussing the growing conditions unique to this region. The orchard, with over 500 cherry trees and a variety of other crops, offered a perfect environment for hands-on demonstrations.
One of the main highlights was the Tommy robotic system, developed by the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB). Equipped with LiDAR, thermal, and optical sensors, Tommy scanned individual fruits to assess their risk of cracking. Visitors could see firsthand how technology can complement traditional orchard management practices.
Above the orchard, the Aurelia drone captured hyperspectral data, mapping variations across the canopy. Together, these systems created a comprehensive picture of the orchard, combining ground-level and aerial perspectives. Visitors could observe how the data collected by the sensors is processed and can be used to support growers in their decision-making.
Field events such as the Open Day at the cherry orchard show that innovation is most effective when it engages both scientists and growers. Real-world observation allows participants to connect research outcomes with practical implications, fostering a shared understanding of challenges and solutions.
Learning from Real Conditions
Why is fruit cracking so difficult to predict? Its causes involve a combination of rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and fruit physiology, which can vary significantly between regions. By collecting detailed field data during the Open Day at the cherry orchard, researchers can refine models and improve the reliability of predictions. This data will also inform recommendations for growers, supporting more resilient orchard management practices.
Looking Ahead
The Open Day at the cherry orchard concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks, highlighting both scientific progress and practical benefits for growers. Participants exchanged insights, shared experiences, and discussed the next steps for implementing these technologies in orchards across Europe.
The event demonstrated that collaboration between farmers, researchers, and technology developers is not an abstract goal – it is happening on the orchard floor. Events like this provide valuable knowledge, inspire discussion, and bring the practical benefits of research directly to the people who need it most.
To follow the project’s progress and learn more about the Open Day at the cherry orchard, visit our Newsroom and follow CrackSense on LinkedIn for updates on future field demonstrations and research activities.