Cherry growing in Germany, science and education - a field trip summary

Abstract

Sustainable land use needs basic and applied research as well as new teaching methods. In order to connect the different demands collaboration with leading research institutes was combined with a field trip to practical land users. The cherry orchard “Obsthof Schwitzky” in Germany was visited including cherry testing in order to inform students about the most advanced production opportunities and research gaps as a case study of the SUMCULA project (Sustainable Management of Cultural Landscapes). The article reports collected information by the student participants about local production specifics and development opportunities. A literature search of two databases completes the summary of practical cherry cultivation with current relevant research questions. The area cultivated with cherries decreased from 1992 to less than 8,000ha in Germany. Still, researchers conduct experiments on cherry growing in Germany, but the United States publish most studies. The amount of articles concerning cherries increases since 2004/2005 and can be subdivided into the main topics growth, yield and rootstock. The field trip revealed a high interest of students on local fruit production, their innovative cultivation methods, weed and pest control as well as its opportunities to support wild fauna and flora.