The beginning of the EcoPêche projet
Taking the environment into account in the production of agricultural products satisfies a strong social demand. The Dephy Expe Ecophyto EcoPêche project (see box on 'EcoPêche project') aimed to design and evaluate innovative peach tree management systems to reduce the treatment frequency index by 50% while maintaining the techno-economic results of the orchard and the commercial quality of the fruit.
On peach and nectarine, the significant reduction in the use of synthetic phytopharmaceutical products is a major challenge not only due to the absence of commercial varieties that are tolerant or resistant to pests and diseases (in particular storage diseases), but also due to a highly competitive market that provides little economic leeway, as well as the importance of fruit quality (taste quality, appearance, etc.). This article presents a synthesis of the results of the trial conducted by the CTIFL at the Balandran center (South of France) between 2013 and 2018.