A workshop on “Cherry Pruning and Training Systems” supported by TÜBİTAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and Ondokuz Mayıs University Scientific Research Projects (BAP) was held on 21 September 2016, Wednesday.

The workshop, which hosted international attendants, was attended by Faculty of Agriculture Deputy Dean Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir, Horticulture Head Dr. Gökhan Kızılcı, Organization Committee Heads Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Demirsoy and Prof. Dr. Gregory A. Lang, experts from the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy and lecturers and researchers from different countries.

During his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Demirsoy said “Unfortunately, studies on training systems began quite late in our country. We are hereby organizing this workshop to accelerate and direct the studies on the subject.”

“We rank top in the world cherry production”

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir stated “Cherry is one of the most important fruits for our country. Our country ranks at or near the top in means of cherry production. However, despite our production is high, when we look at the numbers we see that we are a country that can export only 10% of total production. The missing part about cherry is the lack of the application of sufficient study techniques during garden lay out, garden care and design. This leads to a significant amount of harvest loss. Subjects on pruning techniques, harvest and training systems shared within the scope of this workshop will have significant contributions to the Turkish farmers and agriculture.”

In the first session, Guest Speaker Prof. Dr. Gregory A. Lang from the Unites States delivered his presentation on “Experiences on New Training Systems in Cherry and Under Canopy Cultivation of Cherry”; while Guest Speaker Prof. Dr. Matthew Whiting from Washington State University delivered his speech on “A Look at the North America Cherry Industry and New Technologies to Improve the Production Efficiency of Cherries.”

Titles on “The Applicability of New Training Systems of Cherry in Turkey, Bud Management of Cherry, Cherry Cultivation in Turkey” took also part in the workshop. After the sessions Deputy Dean Prof. Dr. Yusuf Demir presented certificates of appreciation to Guest Speakers Prof. Dr. Gregory A. Lang and Prof. Dr. Matthew Whiting.

All participants visited the Bafra Test Garden after the workshop.