Collaboration with the Nordic Countries Expands in the Research of Berry Genetic Resources
Collaboration between the Institute of Horticulture and the Nordic countries is expanding steadily, driven by similar climatic conditions and shared research directions. One example of this cooperation is the Nordic–Baltic project “Research on Genetic Resources of Berry Crops (BERRIES).”
As part of this project, at the beginning of July, researchers Valda Laugale and Ieva Kalniņa from the Institute of Horticulture visited the Piikkio experimental station in Finland. This station maintains genetic resources of various horticultural crops, including raspberries, highbush blueberries, hops, and strawberries, while also conducting diverse agronomic research on both berry crops and vegetables. Special attention is devoted to strawberry breeding.
Strawberry hybrids are being developed with the aim of restoring the garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) through renewed historic crosses involving the Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) and the Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Evaluation of these hybrids includes both phenotyping and genotyping, with the goal of identifying methods for faster and more successful selection of valuable hybrids. Particular focus is placed on resistance to powdery mildew.
During the visit to Finland, discussions were held regarding the research methodologies used in the project, along with an exchange of experiences related to phenotyping of raspberry collections. In addition to the Latvian researchers, a representative from Estonia also visited the experimental station.
The Institute of Horticulture highly values such international collaboration, which fosters the exchange of new knowledge and technologies and contributes to sustainable horticultural development in the Baltic region.