Staff
Ph. D. Inga Moročko - Bičevska,
leading scientist
(head of unit)
Dipl. biol. Anna Kāle
Māris Jundzis
Structure
Unit of plant pathology and entomology
The plant pathology and entomology are new research subjects at the Institute and the Unit of Plant pathology and entomology started its activities as Plant pathology laboratory in summer 2006.
Main tasks:
The development of scientific and theoretical basis for economically
viable and environment friendly (integrated and organic) fruit growing
technologies which are based on knowledge of the occurrence and spread
of harmful organisms in Latvian orchards, their development, biology,
ecology and interactions with the hosts.
The development of methodical basis for establishing the system
of certified planting material for fruit crops in Latvia.
Diagnostics of insect pests and diseases of fruit crops.
Current research activity:
Research is carried out on the spread and occurrence of insect
pests and diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi in the apple,
pear, cherry and plum orchards and determination of most serious treads
for orchards in Latvia.
Research is carried out on the diseases and insect pests in
raspberry, black currant, strawberry and seabuckthorn plantations in
Latvia. Attention is paid to obtain high-quality and healthy planting
material by performing effective disease diagnostics, working out and
improving methods for the propagation and elimination of pathogens from
the propagation material.
The development and improving the methodical base for the testing,
propagation, and maintenance of candidate, nuclear stock plants and
pre-base propagation material, to provide the basis for the introduction
of the certified planting material production system in Latvia.
Cooperation:
Centre of Biomedical Research and Study, University of Latvia
– diagnostics of viral diseases, improvement and development of diagnostic
methods.
Pure Horticultural Research Centre
–
in vitro technologies of propagation of plant material.
Latvia Research Centre of Plant
Protection – practical plant protection.