Interview- CEO of the company “Vlabons Group”, Vladimir Svilar

A high quality apple has been distributed to the Russian market, Italian cherry planting in progress 

When was a “Vlabons Group” group company founded and what is its main activity?

The company was founded in 2008, and we are producing apples.

At first, we had an area of 19 hectares, and since two years ago we made another 15 hectares, so now, our apples are spreading on area of 34 hectares, with this year’s production of 1500 tones crops. We have been distributing them to the Russian market for ten years now, and the feedback from the Russians is excellent, which confirms their satisfaction with the quality of our apples.

What types of apples are you planting and what are their characteristics? 

In our orchard we have four typses of apple: Granny Smith, Gala, Golden and Red Delicious. 

Granny Smith originally comes from Australia, Gala comes from New Zealand, and Red and Gold Delicious come from United States of America. Some of Granny Smith apple characteristics are: green color, refreshing and sour taste.  Gala is very sweet and crunchy, same as Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious has neutral taste with specific aroma. 

How much do you care about plant nutrition?

High and stable yield, with economic adequacy  and environmental protection means a professional, detailed and accurate approach to plant nutrition.  The clearly defined ratio of certain nutrients in the fruit guarantees quality and long storage, transportation and finally sales to the customer.  Experientially, with detailed soil analysis in every two years and leaf analysis twice a year, we develop a fertilization program and strategy.   By processing the results of leaf analysis and land analysis, we come to the best solution, all with the aim of producing a high class, first class by all standards.When it comes to nutrition and watering, we use new software that has the ability to smartly feed and irrigate. We were the first in Serbia who have settled this kind of watering system  and implemented the most modern irrigation system of today.  

How do you fight with pests on apples?

 We try to embrace innovations, and one in a row is to raise the net above and around plants, which has a multiple role, so-called, the cage.  In addition to hail protection and the strong influence of direct sunlight, by closing the orchards from the wing sides, we have created a mechanical barrier between pests and plants. We have reduced the pressure of several important insects from the aspect of plant protection such as Brown Marbled bedbug, Apple Maggot, Root Beetle and others.What is important to note is that the great advantage of such system, because, consequently, is  the lower use of insecticides which gives the better quality of the fruit.  

You are known to use modern technology in the production of the apples.  How is  going the process of preserving the fruit?

In the complex set of measures that ensure high and sustainable quality of the fruit during long storage, transport and sale, the important part is determining the timing of the harvest.We determine the exact moment of harvest commencement by processing data collected from three maturity tests.For this purpose, we perform an iodine-starch test, determine the mesocarp strength of the fruit using a penetrometer and determine the dry matter content of the fruit using a refractometer. Using SmartFresh technology, we store post-harvest fruits in a modern and responsible way. Proper and long-term storage is carried out in the ULO and DCA cold storages, 

which controls oxygen levels, carbon dioxide concentrations, restores optimal relative humidity and temperature, while maintaining chamber hygiene.  

What are your goals and plans for the future?

First, we expect an increase in yields and their stabilization of about 2.500 tons, thanks to the new planting, and we are planning to expand the capacity of the cold storage facility by 1.600 to 2.100 tons.In addition to apple production, in spring 2021. we are planning to make an area of 8 hectares long modern planting of cherry trees according to Italian technology,and after that, we are planning to complete the planting of cherries with another area of 8 hectares, which will take up to area of 16 hectares in the end.  So we will have an orchard on area of 50 hectares, with two kinds of fruit – apples and cherries.