Biological diversity

Research aim - to conserve, develop and sustainably use horticultural biodiversity.

Research topics:

• Conservation, research, and utilisation of horticultural genetic resources;
• Development of varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, suitable for the conditions of the Baltic region, for various purposes;
• Versatile use of precise non-contact phenotyping and molecular methods in the study of horticultural plant biodiversity;
• Introduction of new varieties and species;
• Introducing biodiversity into orchard agrocenoses;
• Study of beneficial and harmful fauna in different farming systems;
• Diversity of chemical compounds in plants, their potential uses, including in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, etc. industries;
• Preservation, maintenance and research of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria collections;
• Research on invasive species (plants, pathogens, pests);
• Pests - in-depth studies of new and alien species (monitoring, development dynamics).

Performance indicators: number of genotypes, varieties, species, isolates, technologies, patents, publications, datasets, protocols, recommendations

Units of LatHort involved in research:

• Unit of Genetics and Breeding
• Unit of Plant Pathology and Entomology
• Unit of Processing and Biochemistry
• Unit of Agronomic Research and Variety Testing