Laboratory of Pomology
Research and education on fruit trees — from the nursery to fruit storage.
The Laboratory of Pomology of the Agricultural University of Athens is dedicated to teaching and research on fruit trees and fruit-bearing shrubs of the temperate, subtropical and tropical zones. Combining experimental field and laboratory research, it studies the mechanisms that govern growth, fruiting and fruit quality, and optimises cultivation practices for high-quality, value-added products.
The Laboratory works with regional authorities and public bodies, universities and research institutes, cooperatives and producer organisations, as well as agri-food businesses, on research projects, applied studies and the scientific investigation of issues in fruit tree production and postharvest fruit management.
What we research
Varieties and rootstocks
Evaluation of varieties and rootstocks of various fruit tree species.
Abiotic stress
Water stress, salinity, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, frost, high temperatures and waterlogging, and ways to limit the damage.
Nutrition, fertilization and water
Mineral nutrition, fertilization and water relations of fruit trees.
Physiology and cultivation practices
Growth physiology, photosynthesis, planting and training systems.
Propagation
Production of nursery material by conventional methods and tissue culture (in vitro).
Ripening and postharvest
Harvest timing, fruit quality and storability, and storage under Dynamic Controlled Atmospheres.
Facilities
Main Building
Offices of faculty members and laboratory teaching staff, and the “E. Vathi” Teaching Room.
Pomology Building
Laboratory classrooms A, B and C for theoretical and practical training.
Pomology Orchard
A 3.5-hectare educational orchard for field practicals.
Our team
Meet the members of the Laboratory.
Faculty members
Ioannis E. PapadakisProfessor of PomologyDirector of the Laboratory
Nikoleta-Kleio DenaxaAssistant Professor of Pomology – Olive Cultivation
Mina KafkaletouAssistant Professor of Pomology – Postharvest Handling of Fruits
Athanasios TsafourosAssistant Professor of Pomology
Laboratory Teaching Staff
Maria MarantidouLaboratory Teaching Staff
Collaborations
We work with Regional Authorities and other public bodies, producer organisations, research institutions and businesses to address real-world challenges in fruit tree production.