Pomegranate Open Day in Greece was held on 29 October 2025 at the CrackSense project’s experimental field in Argoliko. The event brought together researchers, farmers, and local stakeholders to observe how innovative sensing and monitoring techniques are being used to address fruit cracking. As part of a series of Open Days organised within CrackSense, this gathering aimed to share progress, present real-world applications, and engage the community in meaningful discussions on sustainable fruit production.
Understanding the Challenge of Fruit Cracking
Fruit cracking is one of the most significant physiological disorders affecting pomegranate production worldwide. It can result in up to 50% losses in marketable yield, reducing both fruit quality and shelf life. The problem is often caused by sudden changes in water availability and internal pressure within the fruit, particularly during the late stages of development.
In semi-arid Mediterranean regions, where pomegranate cultivation continues to expand, this disorder is intensified by climate variability and irrigation constraints. Traditional visual inspections can hardly detect early signs of cracking risk, highlighting the need for objective, data-driven approaches.
Why Focus on Pomegranates
Among fruit crops, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) holds growing importance due to its nutritional value and adaptability. However, its susceptibility to cracking poses challenges to growers seeking high-quality yields.
The Pomegranate Open Day in Greece served as an opportunity to showcase how CrackSense is addressing this issue by applying advanced monitoring tools to predict and manage fruit cracking more effectively. Through the integration of remote and proximal sensing, the project demonstrates how data can be used to anticipate stress factors before visible damage occurs.
Opening Words and Event Introduction
The event began with a warm welcome to participants, followed by opening remarks from Katerina Kantari of the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). She introduced the purpose of the Pomegranate Open Day in Greece and underlined the importance of CrackSense in tackling fruit cracking challenges. This introduction set the stage for a day that blended scientific insight with hands-on field experience.
Exploring the Orchard
The guided tour through the orchard was led by Katerina Kantari and the local farmer. Attendees had the opportunity to see the Ermioni pomegranate variety, learn about its growth conditions, and understand the environmental and management factors influencing cracking. This practical walkthrough illustrated the complexity of the issue – showing that it is not merely a matter of irrigation or climate, but a dynamic interaction of plant physiology, weather, and soil conditions.
Demonstrating CrackSense in Practice
Following the tour, Technical Expert Stathis Stathopoulos welcomed participants to the demonstration area, where drone-based multispectral and thermal cameras were used to showcase how aerial monitoring supports the prediction of fruit cracking. After preparing and calibrating the equipment, Stathis launched the drone over the orchard, giving participants a closer look at how aerial data collection supports predictive modelling.
Alongside the drone demonstration, Katerina presented several proximal measurement tools essential for monitoring tree health, showcasing trunk growth sensors, porometers, and fruit size monitoring devices.
The Pomegranate Open Day in Greece concluded with an open discussion and a Q&A session led by representatives from AUA. The dialogue underscored the importance of continued collaboration between researchers and growers in developing sustainable strategies to reduce fruit losses.
The Value of Open Days within CrackSense
Within the CrackSense project, Open Days serve as essential opportunities to connect field research with practical farming needs. They allow participants to witness technological applications in real settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice. The Pomegranate Open Day in Greece once again demonstrated how such events foster cooperation, strengthen knowledge exchange, and support the advancement of sustainable fruit production.
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