Fruit Tree Propagation and Certification

The Working Group Fruit Tree Propagation and Certification brings together researchers, technicians, and nursery professionals who share a common goal: improving the quality, reliability, and sustainability of fruit tree propagation in a rapidly changing global context. In the coming years, nurseries will increasingly be asked to supply certified plant material – both genetically true-to-type and free from harmful pathogens – capable of performing well under a wide range of environmental and agronomic conditions. Meeting this demand requires a renewed effort to develop modern infrastructures, innovative tools, and more precise propagation and management practices, including biostimulant technologies and natural symbiotic systems applications, both in the nursery and after planting.

Certification remains at the heart of the Working Group’s activities. Reliable genetic and sanitary standards are indispensable for safe international trade and for preventing the spread of harmful pests and diseases – an issue of growing global relevance. The Working Group also welcomes contributions on fruit tree species beyond traditional orchard crops, including those with environmental, landscape, or ornamental interest, reflecting the wide range of propagation challenges that different sectors are facing.

Overall, the Working Group aims to provide a platform where updated scientific knowledge, practical experience, and regulatory insights can converge. By encouraging international dialogue and collaboration, it supports the dissemination of new methods for propagation, nursery management, and certification, ultimately helping the nursery industry respond effectively to present and future needs. Through this shared effort, the Working Group contributes to building a more resilient and sustainable framework for the production of certified fruit trees worldwide.