Innovative agrotechnical solutions for production and processing of fruit crops and aromatic plants (InARA)

The project will develop innovative solutions across the full production cycle of fruit crops and aromatic plants—from propagation to processing of final products. At least two in vitro propagation protocols using temporary-immersion bioreactors will be developed. An aeroponic system for rooting cuttings will be established and validated, increasing rooting success towards 90% and reducing substrate and water use. In the nursery stage, at least two multi-tier climate-controlled cultivation systems will be tested and validated in practice, producing guidelines for automation in small and medium-sized farms. In parallel, polymer “tattoo” sensors will be integrated for precise monitoring of plant physiological status and stress in both field and climate-controlled conditions.

Modelled crops: grapes (Vitis sp.), blueberries (Vaccinium sp.), lemongrass (Schisandra chinensis) and others.

Project activities:

• In vitro propagation using temporary-immersion bioreactors and protocol optimisation.

• Aeroponic rooting of cuttings using novel growth stimulators.

• Implementation and optimisation of multi-tier (vertical) cultivation systems in climate-controlled conditions for faster nursery production.

• Testing and integrating sensors (including polymer “tattoo” sensors) for monitoring and quality/yield prediction.

• Biochemical analyses and correlation with sensor data; development of improvements for processing steps.

Knowledge transfer: guides/handbooks, publications, conference presentations, field days and trainings.

Project partners: Latvijas Biozinātņu un tehnoloģiju universitāte (leading partner); Dārzkopības institūts; SIA “Bulduru Biotehnoloģiju centrs BT”; Latvijas Vīnkopju un vīndaru biedrība; SIA “Latroots”; SIA Very Berry.