The Story of the Institute of Horticulture
The Institute of Horticulture consists of two geographical sites in Latvia – Dobele and Pūre that together forms the Center of Fruit and Vegetable Science in Latvia. The Institute conducts research on plant molecular biology and pathology and has developed fruit and vegetable breeds suitable for the Baltic Sea Region. The high quality of delicious and beautiful fruit breeds is available, resistant to sickness, with different inclusions and easy to maintain using the key technologies for commercialization in the Baltic Sea region. In 2012, the Institute recorded the world's first patented Japanese quince breed "Rasa". The Institute researches and refines modern cultivation technologies that promote the highest quality fruits, berries and vegetables.
The largest collection of lilacs in the Baltic States - 230 breeds of lilacs can be seen at the Lilac Garden of the Institute. Every year Lilac Garden assembles classical music lovers from Latvia and abroad to enjoy the culture events and concerts during the blooming season of fragrant lilacs. The name of the Lilac Garden has changed, but Latvians know it as "The garden of Pēteris Upītis". The garden is the greatest tribute to the life of Pēteris Upītis - a vivid personality and one of Latvia's greatest horticulturists - plant-breeders. To get to know Pēteris Upītis and his heritage is available in memorial museum.
The Institute of Horticulture also provides scientific consultations and trainings for professionals as well for the every horticulturist. Scientists of the Institute are developing recipes and creating innovative fruit, berry and vegetable products, processing and storage technologies. We are be proud that our work of the Institute is aimed to develop the best of the best. One of newest products developed by Unit of Processing and Biochemistry - ice cream of seven fruit and vegetable flavors.
Scientists at the Institute of Horticulture provide consultancy to entrepreneurs, manage educational activities in the field of horticulture, publish an electronic edition of "Professional Horticulture" and maintain a website “Fruit Tech Centre” for gardeners and cultivars that provides support in the field of fruit production, storage, processing, and marketing, as well as for developing free of charge instruments for sharing and exchanging knowledge and skills thus contributing to fruit business development in the Baltic Sea Region. The book "Fruit Growing" - a joint work of leading industry scientists, practitioners and growers - to create modern orchards, in 2016 received the Latvian Academy of Sciences annual prize in science.
The logotype of the Institute of Horticulture:
