Pear

The cultivation of pears in Spain, particularly in the Ebro Valley, is affected by problems such as the Psylla pest, which damages shoots and flowers, and the need for an adequate water supply. The following is proposed to improve its management:

• Using plant covers to encourage the natural enemies of the pest, such as anthocorids, and implementing soil, air and tree monitoring technology. This will enable water availability to be measured, potential stress situations to be detected and disease control to be improved, thereby contributing to better yields and fruit quality

Persimmon

Persimmon crops are particularly vulnerable to plant health issues, such as leaf spot caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella nawae, which has led to the intensive use of fungicides and herbicides. As sustainable alternatives, two main strategies are proposed:

• The use of cover crops improves soil physicochemical properties, enhances beneficial microbial activity, and promotes the development of more fertile soils with reduced pathogen inoculum. Additionally, maintaining covered and biologically active soils generates natural fertility through competition and provides greater protection against extreme weather events, contributing to their natural suppressive capacity.

• Another strategy recommended is the establishment of perimeter flower strips to promote biodiversity and strengthen agroecosystem resilience.

  These strategies will be supported by innovative technologies such as soil sensor systems and microbial applications to maximise effectiveness. Post-harvest analyses will also be conducted to assess their impact on fruit quality.