The VI International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits concluded successfully, bringing together researchers, agronomists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from around the world to share the latest scientific discoveries and best practices in the cultivation and management of pomegranate and minor Mediterranean fruits.

🌱 Science and Innovation at the Heart of the Symposium

Over the three days, participants attended high-level scientific sessions, including Keynote lectures and the “Miscellaneous” and “Field Management” sessions. Topics ranged from pomegranate physiology and transpiration in semi-arid conditions, to chilling and heat requirements of different cultivars, the valorisation of minor local fruit varieties from Puglia, and genetic conservation and improvement of pomegranate germplasm in Italy and Spain. Innovative applications of pomegranate byproducts in biotechnology and tissue engineering were also highlighted.

Highlights included:

• Using canopy and climate data to optimize irrigation management in South African pomegranate orchards.
• Characterization of new fig and carob varieties for local and international markets.
• Valorisation of agricultural byproducts, such as immature pomegranate fruits, as a source of bioactive compounds.

🏭 Technical Visit: Lome Super Fruit

On Day 3, participants visited Masseria Fruttirossi and the Lome Super Fruit facilities, leaders in the production and processing of pomegranates and other minor fruits. The visit provided first-hand insight into cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques, with a focus on product quality and technological innovation across the supply chain, from orchard to packaging.

🎓 Celebrating Young Talent

The Symposium also recognized young scientists through the ISHS Young Minds Awards:

• Alessandro Pesole (University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Italy) received the award for the Best Poster presented by a junior scientist.
• Raesibe Ms. Kgaphola (University of the Free State, South Africa) won the award for the Best Oral Presentation by a junior scientist, as both first author and presenter.

🌍 A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

Beyond science, the Symposium highlighted the cultural and scenic richness of Puglia. Participants explored Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and Ostuni, experiencing trulli, charming streets, and breathtaking landscapes, while local gastronomy was enjoyed during the post-event dinner, providing informal networking and cultural exchange opportunities.

🙏 Special Thanks

Prof. Giuseppe Ferrara of the University of Bari closed the event with a heartfelt message of thanks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all contributors:

• Organizers: University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, University of Catania, Agridatalog, under the aegis of ISHS and with the patronage of the Società Ortoflorofrutticoltura Italiana (SOI).
• Sponsors: Lome Super Fruit, 3PUNTOZERO, UNITEC, AIAS – Italian Association for Sustainable Agrivoltaics, Fruit Control, Colleroni, Viveros Hernandorena, Olere Masseria Agricola, Northwoods Nursery, Horticulturae, and Corteva Agriscience.
• Institutional Patrons: Department of Economic Development and the Order of Agronomists.
• Committees: Organizational and Scientific Committees, ensuring both scientific excellence and flawless event management.

🌟 See You Next Time!

The Symposium once again confirmed the value of international collaboration in research on minor Mediterranean fruits, combining scientific excellence, technological innovation, and respect for culture and territory. Thank you to all participants for making these days a unique opportunity for collective growth. See you at the next edition!