Public lectures in the field of organic farming

On 5 October 2022 at 1:30 p.m., scientists from the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute will deliver two public lectures dedicated to organic farming. The lectures are intended to assist gardeners, farmers, and vegetable growers.

Anyone interested may take part in the lectures in person in the Conference Hall of VCRI „Maritsa” at 32 Brezovsko Shose Blvd. in Plovdiv or online at the following address: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85052684617

Meeting ID: 850 5268 4617

Passcode: 858579

The lectures are dedicated to the following topics:

„Botanical plant protection products as green pesticides – an alternative option for pest control in vegetable crops”

Lecturer:  Assoc. Prof. Vinelina Yankova, PhD, VCRI «Maritsa»

Chemical insecticides have been used for decades to control pests that attack vegetable crops and transmit infectious diseases. They can rapidly control insect populations, especially when large areas need to be treated. However, this comes at a cost. The toxic substances they contain can harm human health and the environment, while some pests may survive and develop resistance. In seeking to resolve these problems, an EU-funded research consortium is working on a new generation of „biopesticides“ that are pest-specific, harmless to humans, and do not develop resistance. Botanical insecticides containing plant extracts, also called „green pesticides”, which are an alternative to synthetic insecticides in agriculture, also belong to this group of products. They originate from nature and are environmentally friendly.

„Methods in horticulture for improving soil fertility and preventing plants from diseases and pests"

Lecturer  Chief Assistant Prof. Tsvetanka Dincheva, PhD, VCRI «Maritsa»

Achieving optimal yields from plants, with high quality, low production cost and reduced incidence of diseases and pests can be accomplished through the use of alternative means, methods, and approaches that protect human health and are gentle on nature. Their application does not require additional financial expenditure and is based on a comprehensive approach through the use of natural resources, the requirements of the plants, the utilization of waste products, crop rotation, and their combined cultivation. 

The initiative is part of the programme of the „School of Advanced Horticulture“, under the project PlantaSYST/SGA-CSA No. 739582, Horizon 2020.