FruitDiv is a European research project launched on the 1st of January 2024. The project is funded under the Horizon Europe framework for a period of five years (January 2024-December 2028). FruitDiv aims to monitor, characterise, use, and conserve the diversity of fruit tree Crop Wild Relatives (CWR), with a particular emphasis on pome (Malus, Pyrus) and stone (Prunus) fruits.
The FruitDiv consortium is coordinated by INRAE. It includes 26 multi-disciplinary partners from 10 EU Member States and four other European countries.
CWR are wild plant species closely related to cultivated crops. They hold important potential as a source of genetic diversity, offering agronomic and nutritional traits like pest and disease resistance, tolerance to drought, and adaptability to fluctuating climatic conditions affecting fruit quality and production.
Harnessing this genetic diversity is crucial for enhancing crop improvement, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, tackling climate challenges and meeting the demands of food security and better nutrition. This approach aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal, and the Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies, aiming to reduce pesticide use. Moreover, fruit trees’ long lifespan and a current production dominated by only few cultivars make them particularly vulnerable to the effects of global changes. Further research and conservation efforts are thus needed to unlock the full potential of fruit tree CWRs and secure our agricultural future.
News
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“The untapped potential of forest fruit trees” – Summer School on Scientific Writing, Reviewing, and Publishing
The 12th Summer School on Scientific Writing, Reviewing, and Publishing: “The untapped potential of forest fruit trees” took place in Logarska dolina, Slovenia, 29 July-2 August 2024. It was organized by FRUITDIV, the Recovery and Resilience Plan project SKUPP, and the EVOLTREE network in cooperation with the Slovenian Forestry Institute. Early career scientists and senior…
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FRUITDIV’s participation at the 26th World conference of IUFRO in Stockholm
The XXVI World congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) held in Stockholm on the 23rd-29th of June 2024 brought together more than 4,200 participants from 102 countries. It provided a global forum for the exchange of knowledge, perspectives and visions between scientists across a broad spectrum of disciplines and dialogue with…
Events
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Summer school – The untapped potential of forest fruit trees
The 12th Summer School on Scientific Writing, Reviewing, and Publishing: “The untapped…
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IUFRO World Congress
From 23 June to 29 June 2029: International Union of…
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Kick-off meeting in Bordeaux
The Kick-Off meeting for the FRUITDIV project convened in Bordeaux,…
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ISHS Apricot and Plum Conference
From 22 to 26 April 2024: The First International Symposium on…