Welcome
On behalf of the International Society of Citrus Nurseries (ISCN) and the Chilean Organizing Committee, we are pleased to invite researchers, representatives of public and private institutions, as well as all stakeholders in the production and commercial sectors, to participate in the XIII International Citrus Nursery Congress 2025: Innovation and Sustainability in Citriculture, to be held in Viña del Mar, Chile, from August 17 to 21, 2025.
The Congress, organized by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in collaboration with the Chilean Fruit Citrus Committee and the Nursery Association of Chile, will be a meeting space for the main players in the global citrus industry, with special emphasis on citrus nurseries. This event will offer a varied program including plenary sessions, oral presentations, and workshops, all focused on innovation and sustainability in citriculture.
Chile, known for its climatic diversity and expertise in high-quality fruit production and export, is the perfect setting for this congress. The country's citriculture has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, focusing on exporting fresh fruits to various markets. This event will serve as a platform for the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge and an opportunity to discover Chile's rich cultural traditions and stunning natural landscapes.
Viña del Mar, our host city, is known as the "Garden City" and is a prominent tourist destination in the Valparaíso Region. Participants will have the chance to enjoy its beautiful coastal surroundings and participate in social activities and technical tours, providing insight into both Chile’s nursery industry and its national citrus sector.
Throughout the congress, various activities will be held to foster new collaborations and strengthen connections within the global citrus community. We invite you to be part of this unique event and experience all that Chile has to offer.
We look forward to welcoming you in Viña del Mar, Chile, in August 2025!
About ISCN
The International Society of Citrus Nurseries (ISCN) is a global organization dedicated to citrus nursery professionals. Founded in 1981, ISCN was established to address the specific challenges of the citrus nursery industry and has maintained a strong focus on these issues ever since.
The ISCN mission, as outlined in its statutes, is to:
- Promote the exchange of technical information and research related to the propagation of citrus nursery trees and other relevant topics in the nursery industry.
- Support the production and use of high-quality citrus plants, ensuring they are true to cultivar and free of pests and diseases.
- Facilitate the development of citrus cultivar exchange and introduction programs between countries, using scientifically prepared and disease-free propagation material.
- Compile comparative economic studies to stabilize the marketing of citrus nursery products.
- Organize congresses every three to four years in different countries, selected by ISCN members, to bring together the international citrus nursery community.
- Maintain regular and effective communication with all members, strengthening the global network of professionals in citrus farming.
Over the years, ISCN has established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and sustainable development within citrus farming, making significant contributions to the improvement and expansion of the citrus nursery industry worldwide.
International Committee
Roger Smith
International Committee
(Past President)
José Lima
International Committee
(Past President)
Verónica Herrera
National Committee
(Past President)
Gary Eyles
International Committee
(Past President)
Nate Jameson
International Committee
(President)
Aaron Dillon
International Committee
(Treasurer)
Simon Jurisich
International Committee
(Webmaster)
Hussein Marei
International Committee
(Secretary)
José Cuenca
International Committee
(General Member)
About Local Organizers
The Chilean organizers of the 2025 International Citrus Nursery Congress are key in promoting and developing citriculture in Chile. Notable is the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV), one of the top five academic institutions in the country, playing a central role in education, research, innovation, and community engagement. The university's School of Agriculture is a pioneer in citriculture in Chile, contributing valuable resources and knowledge to ensure a high academic standard for the event.
The Chilean Fruit Citrus Committee, comprising the country’s leading citrus exporting companies, represents the productive and industrial strength of the sector. This committee unites key economic and technical players driving the production and export of high-quality citrus from Chile to international markets. Their involvement ensures that the congress aligns with the real needs and challenges of both the national and global citrus industries.
Additionally, the Nursery Association of Chile, which represents nurseries producing fruit and ornamental plants, plays a crucial role in the nursery industry’s development. The association promotes high standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability in plant production. Their involvement in the congress reinforces the focus on continuous improvement and commitment to excellence in the production of citrus plants in Chile.
Ximena Besoain
President of the National Committee
Profesora Titular
Escuela de Agronomía
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Mónica Castro Valdebenito
Vice President
Profesora Titular
Escuela de Agronomía
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Verónica Herrera
National Committee
Secretaria
Jasmina Valenzuela
National Committee
Coordinadora
Monserrat Valenzuela
Colaboradora
Gerente Comité de Cítricos
Maritrini Lapuente
Colaboradora
Directora Ejecutiva
Asociación de Viveros de Chile
Alberto Cortés B.
Colaborador
Administrador Técnico
Estación Experimental La Palma