Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing

For hybridization are used: donors of scab resistance (polygenic, genes Vf and Vm), tolerance to Nectria canker and other diseases, compact tree habit (including gene Co), winter-hardiness and fruit quality. Varieties with long storage potential and also suitable for processing are selected.

The apple genetic resources collection holds 351 varieties, clones and hybrids (of them 176 Latvian origin). Breeder’s rights are protected for apple varieties: 'Ausma', 'Ilga', 'Magone', ‘Agra’, ‘Atmoda’, ‘Ella’, ‘Olga’.
In 2006 varieties 'Baiba', 'Dace', 'Edite', 'Gita', 'Ligita', 'Roberts' were handed in for DUS testing.

Pear variety testing
Research assistant, Baiba Lāce

The genetic resource collection of pears is evaluated and extended, selection of advanced hybrids and variety introduction are going on. The main tasks are: to select varieties with sufficient winter-hardiness and with good fruit quality which is maintained also after storage.

The pear genetic resources collection holds 152 varieties and hybrids (of them 58 Latvian origin).

Breeder’s rights are protected for pear varieties: 'Jumurda', 'Paulina'.

Sweet cherry breeding and variety testing
Leading scientist, Dr. agr. S. Ruisa

For hybridization are used introduced sweet cherry cultivars which are winter-hardy and productive in Latvia, they are crossed with donors of large fruit size and self-fertility (gene Sf).

Use of DNA markers has been started in the characterization of genetic resources. The genetic resources collection of sweet cherries holds 57 varieties and hybrids (of them 25 Latvian origin).

The genetic resources collection includes also 38 (22 Latvian origin) sour cherry varieties and clones.

Breeder’s rights are protected for sweet cherry varieties: 'Aija', 'Indra', 'Janis'.
In 2007 variety 'Paula' was handed in for DUS testing.

Plum breeding and variety testing
Director, Dr. biol. E. Kaufmane (domestic plums)
Leading scientist, Dr. biol. L. Ikase (Japanese plums)

In breeding and variety testing of domestic and diploid (Japanese) plums the main tasks are: early ripening, winter-hardiness of flower buds, self-fertility and fruit quality. Breeding is also done to obtain varieties suitable for processing. In 1996 – 2001 a common breeding program with Sweden was carried out. From this program result 3 advanced hybrids for which trials in different growing conditions are carried out at present. The new, promising cultivars are tested on different rootstocks.

The genetic resources collection holds 120 (of them 25 Latvian origin) accessions of domestic plums and 64 (of them 26 Latvian origin) diploid plum cultivars and hybrids.

Breeder’s rights are protected for plum varieties: 'Agra Dzeltena’, 'Minjona', 'Zemgale' and also 'Inese' (till 2008).

Breeding of Japanese quince
Leading scientist, Dr. agr. S. Ruisa
Director, Dr. biol. E. Kaufmane

Breeding is done paying special attention to winter hardiness of flower buds, early maturing of fruits, self-fertility, normal development of flower female generative sphere, thick fruit flesh and high content of biologically active substances (organic acids, phenolic compounds, pectins, aroma components); selection is targeted at varieties which can be mechanically harvested.

The genetic resources collection holds 64 Japanese quince genotypes selected in Latvia, Finland and Sweden. At present the main attention is paid to the evaluation and propagation of advanced selections.

Apricot variety testing
Director, Dr. biol. E. Kaufmane

The main attention is paid to selection of varieties with late flowering and high resistance to leaf spot, as well as tolerance to trunk damage by fluctuating winter temperatures.

The genetic resources collection holds 36 genotypes of Latvian origin.

Breeder’s rights are protected for apricot varieties: 'Daiga', 'Lasma', 'Velta'.

Black currant breeding and variety testing
Leading scientist, Dr. biol. S. Strautiņa
Scientist, Dr. agr. K. Kampuss

Hybridization is done with the involvement of interspecific hybrids – donors of resistance to mildew, bud mite, reversion.

The genetic resources collection holds 119 accessions (of them 18 interspecific hybrids, 16 species and botanical varieties).

Raspberry breeding and variety testing
Leading scientist, Dr. biol. S. Strautiņa

Attention is paid to resistance of varieties against didymellosis and anthracnosis. Breeding of autumn raspberries is also done.

The genetic resources collection holds 42 cultivars and hybrids.

Breeder’s rights are protected for raspberry varieties: 'Arta', 'Dita', 'Ina', 'Ivars', 'Lina'.

Gooseberry, red and white currant variety testing
Leading scientist, Dr. biol. S. Strautiņa
Scientist, Dr. agr. K. Kampuss

Evaluation of agronomical, morphological and phenologic characteristics is done in the collection. Varieties suitable for commercial growing or home gardens have been selected.

The gooseberry genetic resources collection holds 31 (of them 27 Latvian origin) cultivars and hybrids.

The red and white currant genetic resources collection holds 24 accessions (of them 6 Latvian origin).

Grape variety testing
Leading scientist, Dr. agr. S. Ruisa

Evaluation of Latvian and introduced cultivars is done in the collection. Varieties suitable for home gardening have been selected.

The genetic resources collection holds 58 cultivars and hybrids.

Breeder’s rights are protected for grape varieties ‘ Guna’, ‘Spulga’, ‘Sukribe’, ‘Supaga’, ‘Spulga’, ‘Veldze’, ‘Zilga’ (breeder P.Sukatnieks).

Hazels – evaluation of a variety collection of Latvian origin
Leading scientist, Dr. biol. S. Strautiņa

Breeding of hazelnuts is limited to the evaluation of hybrids obtained by P.Upitis. Attention is paid to winter-hardiness of generative sphere, productivity, size and quality of nuts.

The genetic resources collection holds 75 hazel hybrids of Latvian origin (breeder P.Upitis).