Most important research and innovation and collaboration projects 

International projects (Horizon, ERA-Net, EEA & Norway, Interreg, COST, ECPGR, Nordic PPP; total 15, funding: 1.978.955 EUR)

1. Agricultural Interoperability and Analysis System (ATLAS). European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Project No. 857125 (2019-2023). https://www.atlas-h2020.eu/ https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/agricultural-interoperability-and-analysis-system-atlas
 Developed as an open digital service platform for agricultural applications and to build up a sustainable ecosystem for innovative data-driven agriculture using the platform (https://www.atlas-h2020.eu/) Lathort was involved in the developing innovation hubs and information dissemination to target groups. 

2. SMART agriculture for innovative vegetable crop PROTECTion: harnessing advanced methodologies and technologies (SMARTPROTECT). European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme Project No. 862563 (2020-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/smart-agriculture-for-innovative-vegetable-crop-protection-harnessing-advanced
SMARTPROTECT is a European network promoting smart IPM solutions for vegetable farming. The project integrated precision farming and data analytics. SMARTPROTECT helps farmers adopt innovative, eco-friendly pest control methods through internet platform https://platform.smartprotect-h2020.eu/en . Techniques were benchmarked, aiming to boost sustainability and competitiveness. Smart insect traps were introduced in LatHort during the project.

3. Strip-cropping and recycling of waste for biodiverse and resoURce-Efficient intensive VEGetable production (SUREVEG). ERA-Net (2018-2021). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/strip-cropping-and-recycling-of-waste-for-biodiverse-and-resource-efficient-intensive
The project was aimed to enhance productivity, biodiversity, and soil fertility by reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and biopesticides. It also sought to mitigate environmental and climate pressures associated with intensive organic vegetable production through the implementation of strip-cropping. Optimal plant combinations for Latvian conditions were identified.

 4. INnovative TEchnologies for REcovery of valuable compounds from agri-food and seafood side STreams for food applications (INTEREST). The EEA and Norway Grant No. EEA-RESEARCH-170-RC (2023-2024). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/innovative-technologies-for-recovery-of-valuable-compounds-from-agri-food-and-seafood-side
The goal of project was to prepare and submit a joint project to the EU research and innovation support programme Horizon Europe through the collaboration of the partners (the Institute of Horticulture, Estonian University of Life Sciences, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology), along with other attracted partners within the chosen project topic. Achieved results: two project applications were submitted.

5. Development of Non-Technological and Technological Innovation in Fruit Growing and Processing in the Countries of the Baltic Sea Region "(InnoFruit). European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) INTERREG Baltic Sea Region programme Project No. #R004 (2016-2019). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/development-of-non-technological-and-technological-innovation-in-fruit-growing-and
A base of developed technologies of all types of projects, methods, solutions and knowledge distribution (transfer) to the target groups, including information about LatHort selected cultivars. Developed demo farms network as a base of knowledge transfer activities (e.g. masterclass, garden open days). 

6. Revival of old traditional fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants and their products: Heritage Gardens Tour (Heritage Gardens). ERDF INTERREG Latvia – Lithuania Project No. LLI-181 (2017-2019). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/revival-of-old-traditional-fruit-vegetable-and-ornamental-plants-and-their-products
The objective was to increase the attractiveness and accessibility of old horticultural plant collections as cultural and natural heritage. The best experience and specific competencies of research institutes, rural tourism associations and museums from Latvia and Lithuania combined.

7. Integrated system for interactive public garden development in Baltic Sea Region (Interactive Gardens). ERDF INTERREG Baltic Sea Region programme Project No. C036 (2023-2026). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/integrated-system-for-interactive-public-garden-development-in-baltic-sea-region
The project goal is to develop responsive public services focusing on public greeneries. The activities are aimed at conveying the scientific information and EU policies for food, health, environment and climate in an easily understandable way; explain, demonstrate and apply the knowledge and services in public gardens using innovative and interactive tools; and facilitate the communication between public authorities, research institutions and communities.

8. Knowledge-driven Baltic Cider Production and Branding for Growth and Competitiveness of SMEs. ERDF Interreg Estonia-Latvia programme Project No. EE-LV00145 (2024-2027). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/knowledge-driven-baltic-cider-production-and-branding-for-growth-and-competitiveness-of
Boosting cider producers including foreign, knowledge transfer and introducing of selected cider apple genotypes in the production.

9.  European Network for Innovative Woody Plant Cloning (COPYTREE).  COST Action CA-21157 (2022-2026 ). https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA21157/
This project addresses key challenges in microclonal propagation: overcoming recalcitrance in woody plants, improving diagnostic and sanitation tools for clean stock management, scaling elite clone production cost-effectively, and assessing risks while fostering public understanding and acceptance of the technology.

10. PPP BERRIES - Development of germplasm for berry crops. Nordic – Baltic partnership (2024-2026). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/berries-development-of-germplasm-for-berry-crops
The project aims to describing and characterising present Nordic-Baltic raspberry collections using phenotyping, genotyping, and selection of genotypes for breeding, to obtain cultivars with high quality and increased resilience to important biological and environmental stresses.

ECPGR Grant Scheme, projects:
The ECPGR funding scheme projects ensure the evaluation and inclusion of LatHort germplasm collections in common European activities: unified characterization and evaluation, genetic research, standardized data sets and inclusion in the Eurisco database. This promotes collaboration (development of other collaborative projects), recognition and accessibility of germplasm, and its involvement in research globally.

11. “Collaborative action for updating the documenting about berry genetic resources in Europe (EUROPE.BERRIES)”, (2021-2023) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/collaborative-action-for-updating-the-documenting-about-berry-genetic-resources-in-europe;

12. “Genotyping-by-sequencing of the European garlic collection to develop a sustainable ex situ conservation strategy (Garli-CCS)”, (2023-2025) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/genotyping-by-sequencing-of-the-european-garlic-collection-to-develop-a-sustainable-ex;

13. “Improvement of Fruit Tree Data Inclusion in EURISCO (FRUITTREEDATA)”, (2023-2025) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/improvement-of-fruit-tree-data-inclusion-in-eurisco;

14. “Safeguarding of potato onion (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) crop diversity in North Europe - Baltic region (SafeAlliDiv)”, (2017-2019) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/safeguarding-of-potato-onion-allium-cepa-l-aggregatum-group-and-garlic-allium-sativum-l;

15. “Common ECPGR protocols and tools available for Characterisation & Evaluation of Malus/Pyrus genetic resources (Pomefruit C&E)”, (2017-2022) https://www.ecpgr.org/resources/ecpgr-publications/publication/pomefruit-ce-activity-report-2023.

 

EU co-financed projects (ERDF, EAFRD, total 26 projects, funding:……. EUR)

ERDF co-financed projects

1. Environment-friendly cultivation of emerging commercial fruit crop – Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) and waste-free methods of its processing. Project No. 1.1.1.1/16/A/094 (2017-2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/environment-friendly-cultivation-of-emerging-commercial-fruit-crop-japanese-quince
The project covered the Japanese quince’s value chain approach - from breeding, biochemical evaluation, economically viable cultivation and storage technologies to new products. It has contributed to a significant increase in the commercial area of this crop.

2. Studies on Ribes plants, Cecidophyopsis mites and Blackcurrant Reversion virus for sustainable resistance breeding and cultivation of Ribes. Project No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/026 (2019-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/studies-on-ribes-plants-cecidophyopsis-mites-and-blackcurrant-reversion-virus-for
The aim of this project is to elucidate the interaction of the Cecidophyopsis-BRV complex on Ribes plants. The project supported the continuation of ongoing research on Cecidophyopsis mites and BRV, and initiated advanced studies in plant genetics, pathology, molecular biology and metagenomic analysis of environmental samples

3. Elaboration of environment-friendly crop growing technologies identified by the Green Deal and their implementation in horticultural production in Latvia (GreenHort). Project No. 1.1.1.1/20/A/169 (2021-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/elaboration-of-environment-friendly-crop-growing-technologies-identified-by-the-green-deal
The research focused on altering the soil management methods by introducing intercropping and green manure in horticultural crop (strawberry, cabbage, onion, carrot) rotation, as well as promoting maximum soil cover with plants (also in winter), and interrow mulching. 

4.   Promotion of international co-operation projects in research and innovation of LLU and scientific institutions under its supervision. Project No. 1.1.1.5/18/I/004 (2018-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/promotion-of-international-co-operation-projects-in-research-and-innovation-of-llu-and
The project aims to enhance LatHort's international competitiveness by supporting the preparation of Horizon project applications and participation in international consortia. It also facilitated the organization of an international conference in Latvia, attracting participants from more than 70 countries. 

5. The development of new synbiotic food products using enzymatic hydrolysis of plant by-product. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) PostDoc Latvia programme Project No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/1/16/201 (2017-2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/the-development-of-new-synbiotic-food-products-using-enzymatic-hydrolysis-of-plant-by
The project was related to the development of new functional food products using biocatalysts – enzymes for treatment of by-products from fruit, berry and grain processing (pomace from fruits and berries, bran). Achieved results: five published scientific publications, two developed functional products, and one patented product technology.

6. Characterization of the interaction and population structure of Pyrus communis and the pathogen Gymnosporangium sabinae for plant resistance breeding. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) PostDoc Latvia programme Project No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/2/18/249)
https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/lv/projekti/saimniekauga-pyrus-communis-un-patogena-gymnosporangium-sabinae-mijiedarbibas-un
The main activities consist of phenotyping the interaction between the host plant Pyrus communis and the pathogen Gymnosporangium sabinae to assess plant resistance; perform characterization of the genetic diversity of the pathogen G. sabinae in relation to the host plant Pyrus spp.

EIP collaboration projects (co-funded by EAFRD)

1. Innovative, economically substantiated solutions to improve the efficiency of apple and raspberry production and fruit quality. Project No. 18-00-A01620-000025 (2018-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/innovative-economically-substantiated-solutions-to-improve-the-efficiency-of-apple-and
 Objective was to develop economically substantiated innovative, environmentally friendly solutions for reducing the costs of apple and raspberry growing and harvesting, and improving the quality of fruit for fresh consumption and processing. To the enterprises technological solutions of mechanisation for apple trees orchard management and raspberry growing offered. 

2. Development of biotechnology competence for the production of high-quality horticultural products. Project No. 19-00-A01612-000006 (2020-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/development-of-biotechnological-competences-for-production-of-high-value-horticulture
The project aims: Implementation of the technologies for production of high-value herbal products perspective for Latvia, such as fruit crops (sea buckthorn, raspberries, blackberries, Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica), medicinal herbs – Maral root (Rhaponticum chartamoides) and ornamental plants – callas. Finding a technological solution for production of healthy planting material perspective for commercial production.

3. Adapting composting technologies for the utilization of plant biomass to meet the conditions of the European Green Deal in the areas of GHG reduction, environmental protection, and enhancement of soil fertility. Project No. 24-00-C0LA1601-000039 (2024-2029). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/adapting-composting-technologies-for-the-utilization-of-plant-biomass-to-meet-the
The project aims to develop biologically and economically sound composting technologies using purposefully cultivated plant biomass. We will assess compost effectiveness in crop rotations and substrates, potentially replacing peat, while providing practical methods, economic analysis, and usage recommendations for sustainable farming.

Industry partnership projects (co-funded by EAFRD)

1. Growing opportunities of new plum cultivars in different regions of Latvia with innovative tree training system. Project No. 17-00-A01620-000006 (2017-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/growing-opportunities-of-new-plum-cultivars-in-different-regions-of-latvia-with-innovative
The project is aimed to introducing of LatHort's new cultivars into commercial orchards, using non-traditional orchard systems (Heka espalier, spindle system, flat crown and standard crown), which will result in an expanded plum assortment and improved fruit quality.

2. Modernisation of garlic growing technology for secure yield in organic farming. Project No. 8-00-A01620-000014 (2018-2021). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/modernisation-of-garlic-growing-technology-for-secure-yield-in-organic-farming
The new technological solutions for the hardneck garlic production were tested to prevent the influence of unfavourable soil and climatic conditions on the rooting, sprouting and wintering ability of hardneck garlic. The technology for growing garlic in partly controlled conditions was developed.

3. Development of new vegetable - edamame growing technology in organic production. Project No. l7-00-401620-000004 (2018-2021). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/development-of-new-vegetable-edamame-growing-technology-in-organic-production
The growing technology for edamame cultivation in Latvia conditions developed and published. 

4. Production of biodegradable polymers from renewable resources for the development of edible coatings and packaging materials for fruits. Project No. 19-00-A01612-000004 (2019-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/production-of-biodegradable-polymers-from-renewable-resources-for-the-development-of
The project goal was to develop new materials for processing fruits, especially soft berries (raspberries and strawberries), with biodegradable microbially synthesized polymer coatings (edible films), which would allow for longer preservation of the quality of berries and extend their shelf life – without using chemicals harmful to humans and the environment.

5. Experimental (Pilot) development of plant-derived organic milk ice-cream (hemp and soy) with various berry, fruit and vegetable additives. Project No. 18-00-A01620-000046 (2019-2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/experimental-development-of-organic-plant-milk-hemp-and-soybean-ice-cream-with-various
The aim of the project was to promote cooperation between agriculture, the agricultural product processing industry and projects to develop new products - organic plant milk (hemp and soybean) ice cream and drinks with various additives of berries, fruits and vegetables grown in Latvia, and to transfer the knowledge gained within the project to different target audiences in the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) network and other communication channels. 

6. The necessity of nutrients for cherries and improvement of their availability. Project No. 18-00-A01620-000016 (2019-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/the-necessity-of-nutrients-for-cherries-and-improvement-of-their-availability
According to the nutrient uptake, the foliar fertilizer complex was designed and tested for the cherries grown in soils with low phosphorus and potassium content. Tree health and productivity was improved without large rates of mineral fertilizers. 

7. Improving the productivity and quality of organically grown crops by using of new mineral-organic fertilizers. Project No. 19-00-A01620-000075 (2020-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/improving-the-productivity-and-quality-of-organically-grown-crops-by-using-of-new-mineral
The newly developed mineral-based fertilizer preparations intended for use in organic farming were tested on grapes (grown in pots in a greenhouse and in the field), hemp (grown in the field) and highbush blueberries. 

8. Use of innovative methods in increasing the productivity and quality of seabuckthorn plantations. Project No. 9-00-A01620-000066 (2020-2023) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/use-of-innovative-methods-in-increasing-the-productivity-and-quality-of-seabuckthorn
During the project, the influence of inter-row vegetation on seabuckthorn plantation productivity was examined  in the existing seabuckthorn orchards and the most productive variants of green manure and perennial grasslands were selected. 

9. Wild Cherry (Cerasus avium Moench. syn. Prunus avium L.) propagation technology development and selection of perspective clones for the establishment of productive roundwood plantations under the climatic conditions of Latvia. Project No. 19-00-A01620-000088 (2020-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/wild-cherry-cerasus-avium-moench-syn-prunus-avium-l-propagation-technology-development-and
In collaboration with lead partner and PP from forestry sector, the genotypes of local sweet cherries suitable for agroforestry (fruit and wood production) were selected.

10. The introduction of innovative, competitive growing technologies for Japanese quince and the extension of the range of fruit-processed products. Project No. 19-00-A01620-000098 (2021-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/the-introduction-of-innovative-competitive-growing-technologies-for-japanese-quince-and
The project aims to commercialize the cultivation and processing technologies developed in the previous (ERDF) project. The cultivation technology has been supplemented with a partially mechanized planting method.

Demonstration projects, co-funded by EAFRD (2018-2022)

1. Evaluation of new, scab resistant apple cultivars in different regions of Latvia. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000026. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/evaluation-of-new-scab-resistant-apple-c
Demonstration of new released and scab resistant apple cultivars in various conditions of Latvia. 

2. Evaluation of strawberry and/or raspberry growing technologies used in Latvia and cultivar adaptability. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000027. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/evaluation-of-strawberry-and-or-raspberry-growing-technologies-used-in-latvia-and-cultivarltivars-in-different-regions-of-latvia
The different growing technologies (open field and protected) for strawberry and raspberry and adaptability of cultivars were demonstrated on commercial plantations. 

3. Introducing of high technologies in vegetable production in the modern greenhouses. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000024. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/introducing-of-high-technologies-in-vegetable-production-in-the-modern-greenhouses
Modernization of efficient and economical lighting in greenhouses by introduction of electronic Na lamps. Comparison of the current electromagnetic lamp illumination and new electronic lamp illumination on the development and productivity of cucumber plants was performed.

4. Introducing of sustainable vegetable growing technologies for increasing soil fertility and efficient using of resources. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000025. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/introducing-of-sustainable-vegetable-growing-technologies-for-increasing-soil-fertility
Demonstrations in two farms were performed where pumpkin, cabbage and butter beans were cultivated using agricultural service mulch created by roller-crimper and compared with traditional technology used in farms for vegetable growing. It was concluded, that roller-crimper technology for vegetable growing in Latvia conditions is not efficient.

5. Selection of pear, plum and / or cherry cultivars suitable for Latvian conditions. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000007. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/selection-of-pear-plum-and-or-cherry-cultivars-suitable-for-latvian-conditions
The cultivars recommended for growing were demonstrated in the private orchards in different regions with a participatory approach - structured observations made by growers and annual Field days - meetings with local  communities. 

6. Suitability of currant and gooseberry cultivars to different growing technologies. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000028. Suitability of currantand gooseberry cultivars to different growing technologies | Drupal
The different growing technologies (organic and integrated) and adaptability of cultivars for currants and gooseberry were demonstrated on commercial plantations. 

7. Yield of apple cultivars, fruit quality and labor necessity in tree training on different apple rootstocks. Project No. 18-00-A00102-000005. https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/yield-of-apple-cultivars-fruit-quality-and-labor-necessity-in-tree-training-on-different
Demonstration of apple cultivar rooststock combination influence to productivity, fruit quality and labour efficiency under various orchard management practises in orchards of farms of Latvia. 

State research programme projects (total 2 projects, funding:… EUR)

1. Research-based solutions for sustainable agri-food system addressed to the European Green Deal objectives (GreenAgroRes). Project No. VPP-ZM-VRIIILA-2024/1-0002 (2024-2025). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/research-based-solutions-for-sustainable-agri-food-system-addressed-to-the-european-green
The project is aimed to find key technological elements in the cultivation of economically important fruit trees, berries, and vegetables, by incorporating technological and smart solutions to reduce the use of synthetic plant protection products.

2. Towards the Post-pandemic Recovery: Economic, Political and Legal Framework for Preservation of Latvia's Growth Potential and Increasing Competitiveness (“reCOVery-LV”). Project No. VPP-COVID-2020/1-0010 (2020-2021). https://eppi.lza.lv/?lang=lv
Project was addressed to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary impact assessment of the pandemic on the Latvian economy and to elaborate scientifically grounded, innovative policy recommendations for overcoming the obstacles of sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Projects of the Latvian Council of Science (total 9 projects, funding:… EUR)

1. Application of deep learning and datamining for the study of plant-pathogen interaction: the case of apple and pear scab. Project No. lzp-2019/1-0094 (2020-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/application-of-deep-learning-and-datamining-for-the-study-of-plant-pathogen-interaction
 Plant evaluation, pathogen investigation, integration of mutual interaction data, and pattern analysis have been conducted. An AI-powered tool utilizing image recognition has been developed for the early detection of apple scab.

2. Development of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles based decision-making system for smart fruit growing. Project No. lzp-2021/1-0134 (2022-2024) https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/development-of-autonomous-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-based-decision-making-system-for-smart
 Drones and AI-based image recognition tools were utilized to study flowering, fruit set, fruit development, yield prediction modeling, and tool development for apples, pears, and sweet cherries.

3. Dicotyledonous plant families and green tools as a promising alternative approach to increase the accessibility of tocotrienols from unconventional sources. Project No. lzp-2020/1-0422 (2021-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/dicotyledonous-plant-families-and-green-tools-as-a-promising-alternative-approach-to
The aim of the project was to propose the alternative sources of tocotrienols in dicotyledonous plant families applying a taxonomic approach and using green techniques, starting from extraction and ending on identification.

4. Genus Hypericum as a new valuable source of tocotrienols and tocochromanol-related molecules – from ornamental crop to industrial applications. Project No. lzp-2021/1-0651 (2022-2024). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/genus-hypericum-as-a-new-valuable-source-of-tocotrienols-and-tocochromanol-related
The main project aims are to grow and screen at least 25 species and 50 genotypes in the genus Hypericum, under different environmental conditions and develop ‘green’ methods for tocotrienols recovery and purification.

5. Highly efficient release of ferulic acid from agro-industrial by-products by cellulose-degrading enzymes (FerulCelluZyms). Project No. lzp-2020/2-0323 (2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/highly-efficient-release-of-ferulic-acid-from-agro-industrial-by-products-by-cellulose
Project goal: Setting up and exploiting the process of small-scale biorefining process of highly lignocellulosic materials of plant origin for efficient release and recovery of ferulic acid.

6. Influence of agroecological conditions on the quality of vegetables in urban horticulture. Project No. LZP-2022/1-0395 (2023-2025). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/influence-of-agroecological-conditions-on-the-quality-of-vegetables-in-urban-horticulture
The aim of the project is to compare different soil substrates in urban horticulture and to assess the quality of vegetables grown in an urban environment, as well as to promote knowledge transfer of urban horticulture, its potential and practice in urban environment.

7. Smart complex of information systems of specialized biology lexis for the research and preservation of linguistic diversity. Project No. lzp-2020/1-0179 (2021-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/smart-complex-of-information-systems-of-specialized-biology-lexis-for-the-research-and
Aim of the project is to create a multifunctional database system for the preservation, research and application of specialist biological vocabulary.The multi-functional database system developed during the project is the first of its kind in the world that provides both multilingual capabilities and a scientific side - linking terms and their definitions (or names of organisms) with information about the source of the information. It will also, for the first time, provide statistical analysis of the use of terms as well as comparative facilities to meet the needs of terminologists and linguists.

8. Smart non-invasive phenotyping of raspberries and Japanese quinces using machine learning, hyperspectral and 3D imaging (AKFen). Project No. lzp-2020/1-0353 (2021-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/smart-non-invasive-phenotyping-of-raspberries-and-japanese-quinces-using-machine-learning
The objectives of the project are 1) to develop a methodology for phenotyping raspberry and Japanese quince yield components using 3D and hyperspectral imagery and machine learning; 2) to validate 3D and hyperspectral imagery datasets for the development of machine learning based on environmental sensor data and validated phenotyping methods.; 3) development of a prototype machine learning system for accurate phenotyping of raspberry and Japanese quince crop elements. A novel system and methodology for non-invasive phenotyping of Japanese quince, including essential phenotyping parameters, has not yet been developed or used in the scientific community focused on Japanese quince and raspberry yield. The current non-invasive phenotyping system, which uses a deep learning approach, can classify, detect and label Japanese quince and raspberry based on RGB images, recognise raspberry and Japanese quince as a 3D cloud object, and calculate their groove index. Ongoing activities within the predefined project include non-invasive detection and measurement of phenotyping parameters from 3D and hyperspectral images 

9. Studies of new potential vectors of Gooseberry vein banding associated virus and Blackcurrant reversion virus on Ribes hosts. Project No. lzp-2020/2-0410 (2020-2021). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/studies-of-new-potential-vectors-of-gooseberry-vein-banding-associated-virus-and
The aim of this project was  to elucidate and clarify the vectors of two viruses - Gooseberry vein banding associated virus (GVBaV) and Blackcurrant reversion virus (BRV) - that are harmful to Ribes plants. Gooseberry vein banding associated virus and Blackcurrant reversion virus have been reported as economically important pathogens of Ribes plants worldwide. Consequently, these viruses are economically important pathogens in blackcurrant, redcurrant and gooseberry plantations by reducing berry yield and plant vigour. Although no extensive studies have been carried out on the vectors of these two viruses, there are compelling references in the literature to some specific organisms that have been implicated as vectors of these viruses in nature, so much is still unknown about the possible vectors of these two viruses. During the project, several arthropod species were tested for the first time as possible virus vectors. The results were published in an international scientific journal and indexed in the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. 

Projects of the Ministry of Agriculture (total 7 projects, funding:… EUR)

1. Evaluation of apple and raspberry breeding material for the introduction of integrated growing technologies of agricultural crops. Project No. 10.9.1.-11/19/192 (2019-2022). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/evaluation-of-apple-and-raspberry-breeding-material-for-the-introduction-of-integrated
 Apple and raspberry breeding program, which includes crossing, selection and evaluation of breeding material to create new varieties adapted to the Baltic Sea region and resistant to climate change.

2. Examination of perspective berry cultivars for integrated cultivation in different climatic regions of Latvia, as well as development and improvement of cultivation technologies. Project No. 10.9.1.-11/17/877 (2015-2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/examination-of-perspective-berry-cultivars-for-integrated-cultivation-in-different
Cultivars of raspberries, strawberries and bush berries suitable for integrated cultivation in various regions of Latvia have been identified and the most suitable cultivation technologies for them, which ensure higher plantation yields, have been evaluated.

3. Horticultural crop breeding program for the development of breeding material to support the conventional, integrated and organic agricultural crop production technologies. Project No. 10.9.1-11/24/1543-e (2023-continuous). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/horticultural-plant-breeding-program-for-the-development-of-breeding-material-to-promote
 A full range breeding program, starting with pre-breeding, which includes the study of trait heritability, involved pathogens, plant germplasm, hybridization, selection and evaluation of initial and elite hybrids, testing under production conditions and commercialization of new varieties.

4. Horticultural plant genetic resources conservation program. Project No. 10.9.1-11/24/1107-e (2019-continuous). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/horticultural-plant-genetic-resources-conservation-program-2024
 Safe preservation, characterization and use of horticultural plant germplasm is ensured both by LatHort and by the OpenLab principle, offered internationally. Currently, 1741 accessions are maintained in national GRs, as well as a collection of 3000 pathogenic organisms since 2023.

5. Identification, collection and research of the genetic potential of in situ cultivated plants for food and agriculture and their wild relatives. Project No. 19-00-SOINV05-000022 (2019-2023). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/identification-collection-and-research-of-the-genetic-potential-of-in-situ-cultivated
 This includes identifying genetic resources (GRs) within Latvia, collecting samples for inclusion in the national collection, and characterizing and evaluating the collected plant material. It also involves identifying wild relatives of cultivated plants and developing a strategy to protect their habitats.

6. Investigation of apple, plum and cherry cultivar and rootstock suitability and development of technologies for sustainable farming in different regions of Latvia. Project No. 70515/S2P (2015-2020). https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/investigation-of-apple-plum-and-cherry-cultivar-and-rootstock-suitability-and-development
Testing and selection of rootstock-cultivar combinations and growing technologies focusing both on productivity, stability and stress tolerance. Investigation in LatHort plantations completed with surveys of growers and visiting of orchards in various regions. 

7. Optimization of fertilization for the most widely cultivated field vegetables in Latvia to ensure sustainable technologies. Project No. 21-00-S0INV05-000023 (2021-2025)
https://www.darzkopibasinstituts.lv/en/projects/optimization-of-fertilization-for-the-most-widely-cultivated-field-vegetables-in-latvia-to
Project aims to assess the current status of nutrient supply in vegetable farms and to develop fertilization guidelines for the most widely cultivated field vegetables in Latvia (cabbage, carrots, onions, and beets), to reduce the usage of synthetic fertilizers to optimal level, simultaneously ensuring optimal yields.