A field day was held at the Esteburg Obstbauzentrum in Jork, where growers and industry representatives reviewed orchard trials and technical updates on variety and rootstock development. The event, organised by Dalival and IFO, gathered more than thirty participants, FreshPlaza writes.
Orchard session: Introduction of Cristal
The program included an orchard visit featuring Cristal, a new apple variety developed by IFO. Attendees observed the trial trees and tasted fruit produced under both integrated and organic systems. According to the technical description presented at the event, Cristal produces attractively striped fruit of good size, with a light and juicy texture and around 14° Brix. The variety shows tolerance to scab and powdery mildew, flowers roughly one week after Golden or Elstar, and has a harvest window similar to Jonagold.
Trial data from the Esteburg station were also presented, including agronomic performance indicators and taste evaluations under northern German growing conditions.
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Technical presentations
An indoor session provided additional context. Presentations outlined the positioning of Cristal within the market, ongoing evaluations of rootstocks such as G11 and M200, and an overview of trends in the French apple sector. The program prompted discussions among growers regarding variety behaviour, rootstock choices, and commercial fit.
Grower participation
Participants took part in orchard observations, fruit evaluations, and technical exchanges with the Esteburg team and IFO specialists. The combination of field inspection and indoor presentations offered growers an overview of Cristal’s characteristics and the current direction of breeding and rootstock development programs.
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