ISHS Acta Horticulturae 545: V International Protea Research Symposium
A PRODUCER'S EXPERIENCE IN THE SOUTHWEST OF PORTUGAL |
| Authors: | M.J. Leandro, M. Oliveira, A. Mexia |
| Keywords: | Proteaceae, Fynbos flora, plant cropping systems, pests and diseases, integrated pest control, selection and breeding, Mediterranean region |
| Abstract:
Europrotea Company got involved in the protea business in 1997 on farmland located in southwest Portugal, near the sea, with climate and soil conditions that seemed fit for protea cultivation. The company’s approach emphasized a deep understanding of the business, development of technical and commercial contacts and partnerships, and learning and training processes of the staff members involved either in the production or marketing and promotion activities. The Europrotea Company early adopted research links with Portuguese and South African research institutes and universities. and created its own research branch. Development proceeded in two major areas: field production, with the set-up of about 15 ha having different varieties of Protea, Leucospermum and Leucadendron with commercial potential; and, field and laboratory research, with the set-up of an experimental field of about 2 ha with different species of the fynbos flora and the development of laboratory facilities. Technical visits of the staff members to South Africa and a market survey determined which varieties Europrotea should produce. Production began using unrooted cuttings of commercially desirable varieties. The experimental field was established using seed- grown progeny of different fynbos species. It is intended to support the research projects that the company is promoting in collaboration with the Technical University of Lisbon through its Agronomy Faculty as part of a PhD research project from a staff member. The aims of the research project are to study the adaptability of the different species and/or individuals to the local field conditions and to choose the ones with better performance for further vegetative propagation. Studies will also examine key pests and disease problems affecting these plants and an Integrated Pest Management programme will be developed as a major technical tool for the crop in the southwest Portugal. | |
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