Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we warmly invite you to the X Southeastern and Eastern Europe Symposium on Vegetables and Potatoes, to be held from 17 to 21 May 2026 at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh) in Crete, Greece.

The Symposium is organized by the Agricultural University of Athens and the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), under the auspices of the ISHS Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers.

This event will take place in the modern facilities of MAICh, located in the beautiful landscape of Chania, Crete, known for its rich agricultural heritage, its breathtaking natural beauty, and its crystal-clear seas

This Symposium will serve as a platform for researchers, students, growers, and industry professionals to present their work, share knowledge, and engage in dynamic discussions on the latest vegetable and potato production advances.

Focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in Southeastern and Eastern Europe, the program will address critical themes such as:

• Cultivation practices and quality
• Greenhouse technologies and smart agriculture
• Plant biodiversity, breeding, and biofortification
• Plant protection and nutrition
• Irrigation strategies and soilless cultivation
• Vegetable grafting and propagation
• Climate change adaptation and stress resilience
• Postharvest technology, processing, and marketing
• Biostimulants and non-chemical solutions
• Circular economy and waste management
• The impact of micro- and nanoplastics in agriculture

The scientific program will feature plenary lectures, parallel sessions, and poster presentations, with contributions from leading experts in the field. Participants will also be able to join a technical tour showcasing innovative vegetable and potato production systems in Crete, highlighting the region’s adaptability to climate change and sustainable farming practices.

We are confident this Symposium will foster meaningful collaborations and inspire new approaches to address global horticultural challenges. Beyond the scientific exchanges, we hope you will enjoy the renowned Cretan hospitality, explore the island’s cultural heritage, and experience its stunning landscapes.

We look forward to welcoming you to Crete in May 2026 for an engaging, insightful, and rewarding symposium.

Conveners

Professor Dimitrios Savvas
Agricultural University of Athens, Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Athens, Greece

Associate Professor Georgia Ntatsi
Agricultural University of Athens, Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Athens, Greece

Professor Nazim Gruda
University of Bonn, Institute of Horticulture, Germany