Within the FruitCREWS COST Action, Working Group 5 (WG5) focuses on ensuring that the scientific and technological results of the Action are effectively translated into practical solutions for fruit production. The group works on improving existing decision support systems (DSSs) for irrigation management by integrating physiological knowledge, sensing technologies and modelling approaches. In addition, WG5 explores policy actions that can help support the adoption and wider use of these tools in the fruit sector.
Over the first three years of the Action, WG5 has concentrated on collecting information that can support the practical implementation of decision support systems in real farming environments. One of the key activities involved the development of surveys designed to gather relevant data from stakeholders. These surveys are closely connected with the living lab framework developed within WG4, particularly in regions where the main FruitCREWS crops are cultivated. The collected information will help ensure that DSS solutions are adapted to the needs of growers and local production conditions.
In parallel, WG5 has analysed the policy landscape related to the adoption of decision support systems for irrigation management. A comprehensive bibliographic review has been initiated to identify policy initiatives and support mechanisms in different countries and regions. Particular attention has been given to policies promoting the use of sensors in fruit crops and to evaluating the level of digital maturity within the agricultural sector. These activities aim to provide a strong evidence base that can support future policy recommendations and align FruitCREWS outcomes with national and European priorities.
WG5 has also explored opportunities to ensure the continuation of FruitCREWS activities beyond the lifetime of the COST Action. This includes identifying potential participation in future research projects and highlighting key research and innovation gaps related to water management in fruit crops.
In the final year of the Action, WG5 will focus on consolidating its main results. The group plans to deliver a report outlining technical improvements that could enhance the effectiveness and adoption of existing decision support systems for irrigation management. In addition, WG5 will develop a set of policy actions that could support the wider uptake of these tools in the fruit sector.
Another planned output is a position paper identifying major research gaps and future needs related to water-use efficiency in fruit tree crops. This work aims to stimulate new research initiatives and help maintain collaboration within the FruitCREWS community beyond the end of the Action.
According to Dr. Diego Intrigliolo, leader of WG5:
“The work of WG5 integrates the knowledge gathered in the other working groups and identifies research gaps and policy actions that could stimulate the further improvement and adoption of the already available solutions. The collaborative environment within FruitCREWS has accelerated innovation across Europe.”
By focusing on the practical implementation of irrigation decision support systems, WG5 helps bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday orchard management. Through stakeholder engagement, policy analysis and collaboration across the FruitCREWS network, the group contributes to more water-efficient and resilient fruit production systems.
Working Group Leader:
Diego S. Intrigliolo Molina
Desertification Research Center (CIDE-CSIC-UV-GVA)
diego.intrigliolo@csic.es