Collaborations

The Laboratory of Pomology develops collaborations with public bodies, research institutions, producer organisations and businesses, aiming to transfer scientific knowledge to production and to address real-world problems in tree crops.

Collaborations are carried out through the Special Account for Research Funds (Special Account for Research Funds (SARF) of the Agricultural University of Athens) of the Agricultural University of Athens, in accordance with the applicable institutional framework.

Regional Authorities, public bodies and development agencies

Regional Authorities, public bodies, municipalities, local government development agencies and companies, management bodies and other organisations responsible for agricultural and regional development are key partners of the Laboratory. Indicative areas of collaboration:

• Research and development projects, and joint preparation of proposals for national and European funding programmes.
• Scientific support for agricultural and regional development initiatives.
• Investigating and addressing fruit tree production problems at regional level.
• Adapting tree crops to environmental and climate challenges.
• Evaluation and promotion of local varieties and products.
• Training for growers, agronomists and professionals.

Universities and research organisations

With other universities, research centres, ELGO-DIMITRA and Greek or international research organisations:

• Joint research proposals and projects.
• Complementary expertise and shared use of research infrastructure.
• Knowledge exchange, joint publications and researcher training.
• International collaborations and networks.

Cooperatives and producer organisations

With agricultural cooperatives, unions, Producer Groups and Producer Organisations and other collective production schemes, collaboration focuses on issues that directly concern production:

• Evaluation of varieties and rootstocks.
• Nutrition, fertilization and water management.
• Cultivation practices, planting and training systems.
• Fruit quality and determination of the optimal harvest time.
• Postharvest handling, storage and distribution of fruit.
• Applied research under real production conditions.

Agri-food businesses

With nurseries, agricultural input suppliers, producers and traders of propagation material, packing houses, exporters, cold storage facilities, agricultural technology and precision agriculture companies, and other businesses along the fruit value chain, collaborations may involve:

• Experimental evaluation of cultivation practices, varieties, rootstocks, products or technologies.
• Fruit quality and storage studies.
• Applied research on specific production and supply chain issues.

The Laboratory’s participation in an experimental evaluation does not constitute approval, certification or recommendation of a commercial product.

Growers and farms

Selected orchards and farms may serve as sites for applied research, experimental work and the evaluation of cultivation practices, when the subject falls within the Laboratory’s research objectives and capabilities.

• Establishment of experimental treatments in commercial orchards.
• Monitoring and evaluation of tree response and fruit quality.
• Participation in research projects with collective bodies in the area.

The Laboratory does not provide routine individual agronomic advisory services to growers or farms.

Scientific collaborations and services to third parties

Within its field of expertise, the Laboratory may take part in scientific and technological collaborations, specialized studies, experimental evaluations, expert scientific opinions, training activities and other related activities. Whether an assignment can be undertaken, together with its scope, timeline and terms, is considered case by case and in accordance with the institutional framework of the Agricultural University of Athens and SARF.

Businesses, organisations and individuals can also support the Laboratory’s teaching and research: Support education and research.