Minister Sargent Launches New Joint Apple Research Project

Teagasc and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Loughall, Armagh, Northern Ireland, announced a new joint apple research programmetoday, Tuesday, 11 September 2007.

Trevor Sargent, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, officially launched this new joint apple research project between Teagasc Horticulture Development Unit and AFBI at the annual apple conference and orchard walk at Kildalton Agriculture and Horticulture College in Piltown, Co Kilkenny, today.

This new working relationship between Teagasc and AFBI will develop a collaborative research programme to support apple producers and the industry both north and south. It will also allow the full utilisation of the excellent research facilities in Loughall, while replica trials will be carried out at Kildalton Horticulture College.

Details of an observation trail on 18 apple varieties were outlined at the event with particular interest in the exclusive variety Jazz, which is performing well. Results of a trial to biologically control Redspider mite were presented while a presentation on the environmental safeguards in the use of bumble bees for the pollination of fruit crops was also made.