iCherry: Development and implementation of technological innovation to address significant pre- and post-harvest problems of cherry cultivation
Programme code: ΚΜΡ6-0078866
Scope and Objectives of the Project
The project aims to improve the quality of cherries by promoting innovation, know-how, and technological upgrading with respect to:
a) combating Monilinia (brown rot),
b) determining the optimal harvest time of the fruits,
c) proper post-harvest management, and
d) promotion of the new product “stemless cherries.”
Specifically, this proposal seeks to:
- develop environmentally friendly, highly specialized molecular fungicides based on RNA interference (RNAi) technology, without involving genetic modification
- establish harvest criteria for cherries using both conventional and modern non-destructive technologies
- apply and utilize techniques to extend the storage life of selected cherry varieties
- conduct metabolomic analysis of cherries to investigate correlations between metabolism, flavor quality, and nutritional value
- achieve commercial development of the new product “stemless cherries” by utilizing the native variety Tragana Edessis
- carry out techno-economic evaluation of the commercial exploitation of the project’s new technologies
Duration of implementation: 18 months
Total cost: 370.000,00 euros
