La  scarsa produzione di mandorle attesa per la prossima stagione  spinge gli agricoltori italiani ad adottare tecniche in grado di limitare ulteriori e future perdite, dovute agli eccessi di caldo e allo sviluppo di organismi nocivi. L' agronomo Vito Vitelli consiglia ai mandorlicoltori alcune strategie per creare condizioni inospitali allo sviluppo degli organismi dannosi, mediante una buona e armoniosa gestione della chioma, con mirati interventi di potatura, e alcune soluzioni tecniche pratiche, economiche e a basso impatto ambientale. Patina biancastra protettiva su foglie di mandorlo ottenuta con l'irrorazione di gesso micronizzato "In molti mi stanno contattando dopo gli scarsi risultati di fioritura ottenuti in questa primavera. Diversi agricoltori mi chiedono come limitare le condizioni che predispongono gli attacchi dei fitofagi insidiosi del mandorlo (cimicetta, cicalina e ragno rosso), responsabili della debilitazione dell'apparato fogliare in estate e...

Within a pedoclimatic context typical of Castile-La Mancha, an area particularly well suited to pistachio cultivation, a plantation in its first year of vegetative activity has been observed, established with a spacing of 6 × 3 m (approximately 550 trees per hectare). The adopted approach reflects the principles of the ZaragoZa® system, adapted to the physiology of pistachio and to the objectives of modern, mechanized management. Tree training begins with a key structural element: a trunk completely free of branches up to approximately 80–90 cm above ground level. This technical choice allows for improved light management, enhances canopy aeration, and, above all, prepares the tree for efficient continuous mechanical harvesting in the future. Above this height, the first primary branches develop, forming the foundation of the productive structure. The goal is not to impose a rigid shape, but rather to guide the tree toward a multi-branched, stable, and balanced configuration. In th...

Nella Locride, areale della costa sud orientale della Calabria e patria del bergamotto con circa 1.300 ettari investiti, si è registrato nel 2023 una flessione produttiva dell'80% a causa dell'andamento climatico anomalo, con temperature che hanno superato,  a luglio,  i 50° C . Un dramma, per gli agricoltori locali, poiché è stata quasi cancellata un'intera stagione, con ripercussioni economiche pesanti. Abbiamo chiesto all'agronomo Vito Vitelli quali potrebbero essere le strategie di prevenzione e protezione adottabili dalle aziende per attenuare simili episodi nelle prossime annate, in considerazione all'intensificarsi del cambiamento climatico. frutti di bergamotto bruciati dalle alte temperature dell'estate 2023 "In questi casi, reti di protezione e caolino servono a ben poco. Non è solo l'azione diretta del sole a distruggere la produzione. Sono andati danneggiati anche i frutti all'ombra e soprattutto quelli pendenti nella parte inferiore...

At a farm belonging to the Giotto Producers’ Organization, located in the province of Caserta, a persimmon orchard ( Diospyros kaki ) in its second vegetative cycle was observed. The orchard was planted in January 2024 and evaluated in July 2025. The approach adopted represents a concrete example of modern orchard management, focused on the gradual development of the tree according to the Mataix System and on the control of vegetative vigor. During the first year, no structural interventions were carried out. Only light wind protection pruning was performed, along with the removal of lateral shoots along the trunk up to a height of 45–50 cm. This strategy allowed the development of a strong and efficient root system, which is essential for supporting subsequent vegetative stages. In winter, heading cuts were performed on the main branches at 7–10 cm. The response was immediate: from a limited number of initial branches, there was a strong emission of new shoots, resulting in a dense an...

In the province of Enna, a region emblematic of traditional Sicilian olive cultivation, a recurring condition can be observed trees characterized by low trunks, progressively bare primary branches and canopies pushed entirely upward. This structure, resulting from years of flush cuts and management practices focused on the outer parts of the tree has over time created a closed internal environment, deficient in light and characterized by high humidity, with direct consequences for both productivity and plant health. In recent years, on such plantations, Agronomist Dr. Vito Vitelli has introduced a “ Zaragoza Soft” approach, defined as an adaptive and gradual management strategy aimed at improving plant conditions without immediate drastic intervention. The objective has been to open the canopy internally, facilitating the penetration of light and air, while containing excessive growth through return cuts and targeted spur pruning . Spur pruning represents a fundamental technical ...