Research Group: Horticultural Science

A major research acitvity involves the identification and characterization of genetic diversity of novel ornamental, fruit and medicinal crops, also with a view to domestication. Studies are typically focused on berries and tree fruit crops and include metabolic, genetic and epigenetic studies designed to exploit potential and maximize production, typically under Northern European conditions.

 

Ex situ conservation of the genetic resources of such fruit crops, using cryopreservation and in vitro storage are techniques central to this work. Much of the practical investigation is based around the very large collection of European fruit genotypes held at the Pometum, an integral part of Nordgen (formerly the Nordic Gene Bank) (Associate Prof. Torben Bo Toldam-Andersen, Prof. Brian Grout). Additionally, collaboration with the Uiversity Botanic Garden expands the range of experimental subjects to include orchids, conifers and herbs indigenous to the Nordic region (Prof. Brian Grout).

 

The Danish horticultural industry is particularly interested in optimizing energy efficiency in greenhouse production and the group applies techniques of physiology and phenotypic characterization, as well as novel climate control systems, to improve production efficiency. The aim is to by accurately tune external energy inputs to plant metabolism and demand and maintain, or improve, plant quality whilst reducing cost and  negative environmental impact (Associate Prof. Eva Rosenqvist).

For further information - please contact Professor Brian Grout