AGR – 222 Subtropical and Mediterranean Fruit Crops

The first of the Subtropical and Mediterranean Fruit Crops Group's research thrusts deals with the physiology of the flowering and fruiting processes in Mediterranean and Subtropical fruit crops. A second thrusts focuses on greenhouse production of fruit crops. Yet another is managing pollination bio-vectors of fruit species and in fruit crops. A fourth thrust deals with artificial pollination, as well as stimulating the early maturation and precocity of fruits and, finally, controlled deficit irrigation in fruit crops.

The group's services include determining pollination and fertilisation levels in flowers, pollen viability and ovule longevity. Additionally, analysing attractors of pollination bio-vectors (nectar, pollen and volatiles).

They also include artificial and bio-vector pollination in fruit and vegetable crops. Another service is determining cell number and size in fruits and response to thinning and other cultivation techniques. Additionally, monitoring maturation on the vine and determining optimal harvesting times. Lastly, using microsatellite analysis and in vitro cultivation to identify plant varieties.