Environment-friendly cultivation of emerging commercial fruit crop – Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) and waste-free methods of its processing

Aim of the project:  to develop environment-friendly technologies for growing, plant protection, storage and waste-free processing of Japanese quince, study formation of hydrophylic and lipophylic compounds during fruit development, economic evaluation of production for faster development and increased export potential of fruit and food industries.

Japanese quince as a source of biologically active substances is a promising commercial crop in Europe, its potential not fully exploited. In late 20th century, in a Community Support framework project, knowledge was created about Japanese quince growing technologies. With increase of areas, problems arise caused by unidentified pathogens and pests. Know-how development of their control in integrated and organic growing systems is planned.

First cultivars were selected in Latvia, yet information about suitability for different regions, effective propagation, fertilization biology and disease tolerance is insufficient. Their evaluation will be continued along with selection of new cultivars.

Fruits are characterized by valuable biochemical content, but lacking detailed studies of chemical compounds formation during maturation, extension of storage, which are among Project tasks. So far processing by-products are underutilized. Deeper investigation of pomace and seed biochemical content and their extended use are planned.

Economic analysis of full production chain is lacking and is planned to develop in the Project.

The project is not including commercial activity:

Project includes 5 planned activities (A): A1. Improvement of Japanese quince growing technologies using integrated and organic methods; A2. Identification of Japanese quince pathogens and invertebrate pests and testing of potential plant protection methods; A3. Extension of possibilities for use of Japanese quince, bioactive compounds in fruits and by-products; A4. Economical substantiation of growing and processing technologies; A5. Technology transfer activities.

Planned results: 1) technological solutions developed for environment friendly Japanese quince growing, most suitable cultivars selected and propagation methods for obtaining quality plants adapted; 2) pathogens and invertebrates in Japanese quince plantations identified and methods for integrated and organic plant protection developed; 3) data obtained about detailed biochemical content of cultivar and seedling fruits and processing products, possibilities of extended storage, two technological solutions developed for obtaining products with reduced sugar content and improving quality of meat dishes; 4) data summary and economic analysis on the advantages of Japanese quince growing and processing technologies; 5) technology transfer activities carried out.

Knowledge created in the Project framework, obtained through involving in the consortium researchers from several science disciplines, will create scientific and technological background for improved growing and utilization of Japanese quince.