CCTROP Operational Group: Climate adaptation strategies in tropical and subtropical fruits

Analysis of historical data related to the harvest of the last two years and prior years, associated costs, dates of the different harvesting windows, flowering and harvest, percentage of losses related to returns due to lack of quality, etc. Common dossier with current harvesting criteria, associated problems, adaptation to customer criteria/quality standards in the papaya, kiwi and avocado sector.

Characterization of fruit quality at different stages of the season: papaya (harvested monthly at two stages of ripeness), avocado (harvested at three stages of ripeness at two critical times of the season, beginning and end), kiwi (six stages of ripeness, differentiating between early kiwis, peak season kiwis, and late kiwis). Characterization of the sensory profile of each fruit: definition of a flavor index based on its sugar and acid profile, as well as its olfactory profile.

Definition of the minimum values for commercial quality parameters and the most suitable harvest indicators to ensure organoleptic maturity at the time of consumption and that are appropriate for the current fruit ripening dynamics. Characterization of the commercial shelf life of the fruits.

Development of predictive models of quality at harvest time and commercial quality analysis tools based on the application of non-destructive techniques. Definition of decision panels for the design of smart harvesting and precision post-harvest handling.

Determining the optimal harvest week for each fruit based on its intended use and storage requirements. Characterizing the fruit's sensory attributes and assessing consumer acceptance (testing with trained panels and consumers).

Selection of the most suitable post-harvest technology to extend the shelf life of papaya, avocado, and kiwi. Identification of the most frequent types of disorders or quality losses in each type of fruit using conventional and non-destructive techniques.

Identification of losses in pre and post harvest and design of the most appropriate valorization strategies and tools based on the characteristics of the product.

Identifying current challenges in the sector regarding compliance with quality standards and adapting them to actual customer and/or consumer criteria. Contributing to existing quality and marketing standards based on objective parameters that reflect commercial criteria and consumer preferences.

The project includes a comprehensive communication and outreach plan to ensure that information and results effectively reach all stakeholders. Printed and digital materials will be used, including posters, brochures, and templates, respecting the corporate identity and adapting messages to the target audience. Furthermore, data accessibility will be guaranteed through national and European web platforms. In parallel, robust internal communication will be fostered through digital tools and regular meetings, enabling the coordination of progress, risk assessment, and the development of contingency plans. The plan encompasses all project partners and has national reach, including the Canary Islands, the Valencian Community, Andalusia, and Aragon.

Among the results of technology transfer through participation in events and project workshops are the following activities: 3 outreach events in local markets. Presentation of the project at ICIA research and innovation activities. Agricultural training and capacity-building workshops in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Project dissemination during Science and Innovation Week in the Canary Islands. Open house for young farmers and rural women at the Gran Canaria Island Council's Experimental Agricultural Farm. Promotion at the Fruit Attraction trade fair, including a technical activity in its program. Annual participation in technical seminars organized by the SECH (Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences). Presentations at educational activities and networking events with other regional Local Agricultural Organizations (LAOs) and Local Agricultural Organizations (LAOs). Presentations to ANECOOP cooperative members already affiliated with AVA-ASAJA and ASAJA-Málaga, including avocado demonstrations. Project launch at the XV National and XIII Iberian Congress on Ripening and Postharvest (Portugal).

Technology transfer through virtual channels will include various digital actions to disseminate the project's objectives, activities, and results. A website will be created on the EU-FarmBook platform with information about the project, participating partners, activities carried out, and key results. Profiles will also be set up on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to communicate progress, events, and results, linked to the partners' institutional accounts to broaden their reach. Regular electronic newsletters with relevant project information will be produced, coordinated by AVA-ASAJA and ASAJA-Málaga and distributed by all partners. In addition, three informational videos will be produced about the trials conducted on avocado, papaya, and kiwi, including actions taken, results, and recommendations. These actions will target the agri-food sector, producers, technology providers, public administrations, cooperatives, and the general public.

Among the results of the project's dissemination are the publication of materials, which will be distributed through various media outlets (press releases and newsletters, social media, and the consortium members' communication channels) as well as through technical publications. Specifically, the technical publications will cover topics such as:

• Diagnostic study of the sector

• Harvesting protocols and implementation of post-harvest technology

• Proposal for the use of discarded papaya, kiwi and avocado.

• Good Practice Guides for the harvesting, preservation, and marketing of papaya, kiwi, and avocado. Regarding the target audience for the project publications, the aim is to reach professionals in the sector, the scientific community, and the general public, including public administrations. Therefore, throughout the project's implementation, a broad reach will be sought at the local, regional, and national levels through various media (press, television, radio, technical journals, conference proceedings, etc.).