Agri 2017: Innovations in the Field of Crop Production

From February 22 to 26, over 30 agricultural novelties will be demonstrated for the first time at the international exhibition "Agrа 2017", held in Plovdiv. The happy news is that a large part of the innovations are in the field of crop production.

The Institute of Agriculture in Karnobat will participate in the innovation competition of "Agrа 2017" with the winter brewing barley variety "Achilles". It was recognized in 2015 and is zoned for the entire country. The advantages of the variety lie in its high productivity and very good grain quality, combined with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.

The Institute of Plant Genetic Resources in Sadovo will present a new high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat variety "Ginra", recognized in 2016. Its advantages are lower production cost and resistance to yellow rust on cereals. The institute is also responsible for the sesame variety "Nevena", suitable for mechanized harvesting. At "Agrа", the scientists from Sadovo will also present various peanut varieties, among which is the "Kremena" variety, which has already attracted great interest from Italians and Turks.

The Maize Research Institute in Knezhа, part of the Agricultural Academy, will present the development of a new, double-line, high-yielding, mid-late maize hybrid "Knezhа 561", which has proven potential for very high yields. At all testing levels, it has shown high productive results, exceeding the standards. In 2015, it was submitted for testing in the Republic of Serbia, where it ranked first among all tested hybrids in the trials. For the last two consecutive years – 2014 and 2015 – in the testing at IASAS, the "Knezhа 561" hybrid exceeded the average grain yield standard in its group by 102.85% and 105.60% respectively, with the trend for high yield being stable and rising. Regarding grain moisture, the hybrid is also within its group.

"Pioneer Seeds Bulgaria" will present the maize hybrid Optimum Aquamax, which can adapt to climatic conditions and yields 10-12% higher.

Fruits

The "Leader F1" variety yields up to 8 tons of melons per decare, and the fruits are juicy with a light pleasant aroma. According to the exhibitors from "Agrodelta Select", the variety can produce melons weighing up to 6 kilograms.

The Institute of Agriculture in Kyustendil has developed the first Bulgarian technology for the organic production of raspberries. Ecologically clean methods for pest control are used before establishing the plantations, thus reducing the use of chemical products.

Flowers and Trees

Flower producers can diversify their assortment with new species that are currently only wild-growing. Technologies for cultivated cultivation of love-in-a-mist, gypsophila, and snake grass are offered by the Institute of Ornamental Plants in Sofia.

A facility for propagating paulownia – a tree used for industrial production of wood, biomass, ethanol, fodder, and paper – was invented at the "N. Pushkarov" Institute. Through the use of modern genetic and tissue methods, exceptional successes have been achieved in creating plant species.

Foods

The food product "Dry Tarhana with Instant Flour from Apple Pomace and Wheat Semolina" is a development by scientists from the Institute for Food Research and Development in Plovdiv. The tarhana is rich in fiber and contains a significant amount of antioxidants, which improve its nutritional value. The instant flour is obtained by extruding apple pomace separated during apple juice production. (extrusion is a modern specific technological process for food processing).

Agrа 2017

Visitors to "Agrа 2017" will also see machines from well-known brands, equipment and materials for agriculture and livestock farming, fertilizers and plant protection products, services and software, as well as the specialized exhibition "BioAgrа". A beekeeping exhibition "Api Bulgaria" is organized in parallel.

The three events are part of the mega-forum for agribusiness, wine, food, and tourism. It also includes the international exhibitions: "Vinarya" - for viticulture and winemaking, "Foodtech" - for the food industry, "Horeca Plovdiv" - for restaurant and hotel equipment, "Tastes from Italy".

With the entrance ticket, priced at 5 leva, visitors gain access to all exhibitions and a questionnaire card, with which they can win one of the prizes provided by the International Fair Plovdiv: an Antor motor cultivator with a Honda engine, a Wilo submersible pump with a hose, and a set of ARS pruning shears for vines, berry bushes, and trees.

For students, disabled people, and pensioners, there is a preferential price of 3 leva, while professionals receive a free card upon invitation from an exhibitor and registration.