Training system selection critically influences peach orchard productivity through its effects on canopy light environment, physiological responses, and fruit quality. This study evaluated two contrasting training systems: a 2D planar fruiting wall system (Four-Axis, 1020 trees ha⁻¹) versus a 3D Quad-V system (590 trees ha⁻¹) using two peach cultivars, fresh table ‘Platibelle’ and clingstone ‘Mirel’ in Central Macedonia, Greece. Comprehensive physiological measurements including leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and fruit quality parameters were assessed across two canopy zones (lower 0–1.2 m vs. upper 1.8–3.3 m) during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Results demonstrated that the 2D system achieved superior leaf area index (LAI), but lower light interception, leading to enhanced photosynthetic performance with 15–20% higher net photosynthetic rates and improved water-use efficiency compared to the 3D system. Notably, the photosynthetic apparatus of fruiting wall trees maintained significantly greater efficiency (6.26 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) in the lower canopy zone than in Quad-V trees (3.6 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹), indicating a more uniform and functional light environment. The 2D system produced fruits with improved flesh firmness and color development in ‘Mirel’, while higher dry matter in ‘Platibelle’. Correlation analysis revealed that Four-Axis trees enhanced the interdependence among thermal, gas exchange, and compositional traits, reflecting a shift from morphology-driven to metabolically integrated canopy function. In terms of yield, fruiting walls achieved higher efficiency and total production (Mt ha⁻¹) in ‘Mirel’, supporting their adoption to enhance productivity and peach fruit quality in Mediterranean conditions.

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are widely appreciated for their flavor, bioactive compounds, and health promoting properties, yet cultivar-dependent differences in metabolic composition and postharvest stability remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated five commercial blueberry cultivars (‘Aurora’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Elliot’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Liberty’) at harvest and after 15 days of cold storage (postharvest stage) (4 °C), assessing fruit color, size, firmness, primary metabolites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), anthocyanins, phenolics, and antioxidant capacity. Cultivar-specific differences were observed in fruit morphology, sugar/acid balance, and biochemical composition: ‘Liberty’ and ‘Elliot’ accumulated higher monosaccharides and disaccharides, whereas ‘Aurora’ and ‘Chandler’ showed higher organic acids and amino acids. Volatile profiling at harvest revealed that ‘Liberty’ exhibited the richest aromatic profile, with elevated aldehydes, ketones, acids, phenols, alcohols, and esters. Postharvest storage caused minor changes in primary metabolites but altered anthocyanin content in a cultivar-dependent manner. Principal component analysis indicated that volatile compounds were the primary factors differentiating cultivars, while primary metabolites largely influenced sweetness–acidity balance. Overall, the results demonstrate that blueberry fruit quality is strongly cultivar-dependent, with cultivar-specific metabolic and volatile signatures shaping sensory and nutritional attributes, and provide valuable information for breeding, postharvest management, and cultivar selection to optimize flavor, bioactive content, and shelf-life.

This study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a new strawberry cultivation zone in the Region of Florina, Northern Greece, as a strategy to support rural revitalization and agricultural diversification. Day-neutral strawberry genotypes were cultivated under net-house conditions at the University of Western Macedonia and assessed for physiological traits (SPAD index, chlorophyll fluorescence) and fruit quality (weight, color, firmness, °Brix, titratable acidity); while postharvest behavior was evaluated after seven days of cold storage. Statistical analysis identified genotypes with superior physiological performance and storability. Preliminary economic analysis suggests that their adoption could increase growers’ income by 20–30% compared to conventional varieties. The findings support the development of a strawberry production zone in Florina, with broader implications for sustainable agricultural intensification and rural development in underutilized European regions.

Pear cultivation in Greece, with an annual production of approximately 81,000 tonnes, constitutes a significant segment of the national fruit industry, particularly in Northern regions such as Macedonia and Thessaly. Despite ranking 8th in the EU in terms of pear production, Greece’s cultivated area is slightly declining, and adoption of smart agriculture technologies (SAT) remains limited. In this context, the present study investigates the preferences, patterns, and barriers of SAT adoption within the Greek pear sector, aiming to lay the groundwork for more effective digital transformation in the agri-food domain. Using a structured interview-based survey, data were collected from 30 pear growers, revealing critical insights into the technological landscape of the sector. A central challenge that emerged was the insufficient internet connectivity in rural farming areas, highlighting the urgent need for improved digital infrastructure to support SAT deployment. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of targeted education and awareness programs to bridge the digital knowledge gap among pear farmers. An especially notable finding concerns the role of the chosen tree training system in influencing SAT uptake: more than 50% of adopters utilize the palmette training system, suggesting a strong correlation between orchard design and technological readiness. Among the SAT categories, Data Analytics and Farm Management Software were the most widely adopted, a trend partly driven by attractive governmental subsidies of €30 per hectare. Importantly, all respondents who had implemented SAT (100%) reported a measurable increase in farm income, reinforcing the technologies’ impact on productivity and profitability. Foremost among the challenges encountered is the deficit in technical knowledge and training. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive overview of Greek pear producers’ perceptions, challenges, and emerging opportunities related to smart agriculture.