Niab Fruit Newsletter - Autumn 2026

Available as a PDF download or as a online digital read

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The Autumn 2026 Niab Fruit newsletter brings together the latest news, research and activities supporting the UK fruit industry. 

From industry events and knowledge exchange at East Malling to the launch of new research projects, this issue highlights Niab’s work to tackle some of the key challenges facing fruit growers – including pest and disease management, resource efficiency, climate resilience and the development of new technologies and production systems.

Projects covered include:

  • AI and hyperspectral detection of apple canker
  • Sustainable pest and disease management in apples and pears
  • Biological control of aphids and spotted wing drosophila
  • New pest monitoring technologies
  • Bio-based polymers to reduce water and fertiliser use
  • Improving blackcurrant soil health and nitrogen efficiency
  • AI-guided microbiome engineering
  • Strawberry breeding for total controlled environment agriculture
  • AI decision-support for protected/controlled environments
  • Using spectral-tuning films to increase strawberry yields