Profile

The Research Group of Fruit and Ornamentals carries out research on fruit, nursery stock and ornamentals.

 

Across these areas the group is actively involved in:

• delivering underpinning basic research to discover plant physiological responses and mechanisms
• delivering research for industry to develop systems and solutions across the Danish horticultural sector
• capability development through teaching within graduate programmes.

 

Fruit Research

Research is focused on the development and implementation of novel and sustainable productions systems to deliver quality fruit products. By delivering innovative solutions both in the organic and conventional productions systems we aim to ensure that Danish producers can differentiate their products in an increasingly competitive environment. In a changing climate it is essential that novel and sustainable production practices are implemented that reduce inputs such as chemical, water, nutrients, energy, time, whilst increasing outputs, such as quality attributes, productivity, returns to producers. Research will deliver an increased knowledge on the inner and external attributes of fruit to increase the likelihood of consumers choosing a healthy food, leading to increased consumer heath and wellbeing.

 

Main crops include:

• Berries; strawberry, raspberry, blackcurrants
• Pipfruit; apples, pears
• Stonefruit; apricots, plums, sweet cherries, sour cherries

 

Main disciplines include:

• Production technologies; novel, IP, organic, conventional
• Breeding technologies
• Graft compatibility
• Quality; inner, external, non destructive, chemical, physical
• Cultivar evaluation

 

Nursery stock

Research is focused on the development and implementation of novel and sustainable productions systems of plants grown out-of-doors. Research will deliver novel, consistent and quality plants that underpin the Danish brand by exceeding consumer expectations. It is essential that sustainable production practices are implemented that reduce inputs such as chemicals, water, nutrients, time, whilst increasing outputs, such as quality attributes, productivity, returns to producers. Research will deliver an increased knowledge on plant physiology to increase the quality of the plants and ultimately the consumer satisfaction and wellbeing. The research team is working on plants grown out-of-doors, including ornamentals, forest trees and plants for open landscape and orchard environments.

 

Main disciplines include:

• Production technologies
• Seed physiology
• Vegetative propagation
• Cold and frost hardiness
• Response to stress and post harvest physiology
• Quality; inner, external, non destructive, chemical, physical
• Breeding technologies
• Introduction and selection of new cultivars

 

Ornamentals

Research is focused on the development and implementation of novel and sustainable productions systems in a glasshouse environment. Development of leading edge practices are critical to ensure Denmark remains in a leading position. Research will deliver novel, consistent and quality ornamental plants that underpin the Danish brand by exceeding consumer expectations. In a changing climate it is essential that novel and sustainable production practices are implemented that reduce inputs such as chemical, water, nutrients, energy, time, whilst increasing outputs, such as quality attributes, productivity, returns to producers. Research will deliver an increased knowledge on plant physiology to increase the quality of the plants and ultimately the consumer satisfaction and wellbeing.

The ornamental research team works on a diverse range of plant species.

 

Main disciplines include:

• Production technologies
• Energy, light and water utilisation and optimization
• Development and growth
• Flowering physiology
• Response to stress and post harvest physiology
• Quality; inner, external, non destructive, chemical, physical
• Breeding technologies