Joint Research Centre of Agriculture and Forestry

Agrobiotechnology laboratory function – to carry out fundamental and applied research in plant biotechnology, biology and physiology; to carry out development works; to develop and implement modern technologies and innovations; disseminate and popularize scientific knowledge; provide open access and knowledge-intensive services; develop highly qualified scientific potential.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Evaluation of factors influencing plant‘s morphogenesis in vitro.
• Creation of initial breeding material of agricultural crops by biotechnological techniques.
• Investigation of influence of various factors on plants growth and development in vitro and in vivo.
• Plants micropropagation in vitro and in vivo.

SCIENTIFIC TOPICS AND PROJECTS

• Investigation of plants morphogenesis in vitro.
• “Investigation of biological compounds on agricultural plants”, time of implement 2013–2015, customer and partner JSC “Kustodija”.
• “Investigation of phisiological activity of Albit”, time of implement 2014–2017, customer and partner JSC “Kustodija”.

SERVICES

• Evaluation of plant’s morphological parameters and physiological processes.
• Evaluation of changes in the dynamics of plant photosynthetic parameters under influence of various biotic and abiotic factors.
• Evaluation of efficiency of plant nutrition and protection measures.
• Micropropagation of ornamental plants.
• Consulting and training in plant biotechnology topics.

MAIN RESULTS

Expanding cooperation’s with Institute of fiber crops of Ukrainian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, University of Latvia, Latvian University of Agriculture, Kazan State Technological University, Grodno State Agrarian University, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry.

Laboratory is a part of Joint Research Centre. Centre was opened on December 7, 2012. Scientists of laboratory execute investigations of vegetable raw materials quality, arrange seminars, participate in national and international conferences, disseminating their research results, and develop international cooperation, carries out business orders, improving competence by undergoing training. Scientists of laboratory cooperate with scientists from Lithuanian universities and research institutes, scientists from other countries, farmers and business enterprises.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Chemical composition of vegetable raw materials and their changes during ripening process;
• Storage of raw materials in controlled atmosphere chambers with different air parameters;
• Quality of processed products;
• Sensory evaluation of food raw materials and products.

SCIENTIFIC TOPICS AND PROJECTS

• Project “Innovative cultivation of vegetable plants in vertical systems, applying modern environment and resource-saving technologies”, No. 14PA-KK-17-1-01319-PR001.
• Project “Sustainable fodder crop productivity and climate change extreme events: resilience, food quality and risk management recommendations”, No. S-SIT-20-4.
• EUREKA project “Lyophilized yoghurt bites enriched with non-traditional functional raw materials”, No. 01.2.2-MITA-K-702.
• Project “Effect of Farming Systems on the Accumulation of Biologically Active and Anticancer Compounds of Potato Tubers with Colored Flesh” financed by the Fund Ekhagastiftelsen (Sweden).
• Project of the EIP action group INNOFOOD HUB “Management of short supply chains of biologically valuable products and development of local markets”, No. 35BV-KK-18-1-06620-PR001.
• Research project “Research on Innovative Vegetable Protein Derivatives with All Essential Amino Acids”, No. 1-37.

Experiments in a greenhouse

• Research of flowers varieties;
• Experiments on the use of preparations, fertilizers in plant growing.

SERVICES

• Chemical analysis of vegetable raw materials in accordance with international standards:
• • sample preparation for chemical analysis – homogenization, drying, crushing;
  • chemical analysis of vegetable raw materials (including feed) – ascorbic acid, carotenoids, crude protein and nitrogen, crude ash, pH, nitrate, potassium contents, etc.
• Qualitative analysis using non-destructive and express methods:
• • moisture content analysis by express method (moisture analyser);
  • vegetable raw materials analysis by near infrared spectroscopy (near infrared analyser);
  • vegetable raw materials colour analysis by colour analyser.
• Analysis of volatile organic compounds of food products and raw materials using e-nose.
• Raw materials and products texture analysis by texture analyser.
• Optimization of the freeze-drying process for the vegetable raw materials.
• Freeze-drying of food products and raw materials.
• Storage of fruit and vegetables in controlled atmosphere chambers and analysis of changes taking place during storage.
• Evaluation of food raw materials and products sensory characteristic (taste, smell, texture, colour), in sensory research laboratory.

Laboratory activity focuses on forest ecosystems biodiversity, productivity, sustainability and dynamics under changing climate and human impact.

Services: Investigations on forest ecosystems growth and productivity, forest tree genetics and forest vegetation diversity under changing climate and human infl uence. Equipment used for investigations: LINTAB 6 Scientifi c Package Tree-ring measurement and analysis, portable photosynthesis assessment system Model LCpro/Sp System Portable canopy leaf index (CLI) assessment device model Radio-Linked SunScan Canopy System; leaf area assessment system model WinDIAS 3, root analysis system manufacture Delta-T, automatic DNA extraction device Qiacube (Qiagen), DNA amplifi cation device (Temperature cycling) GeneAmp 9700 Gold, DNA analyzer (sequencer), capillary electrophoresis device ABI PRISM 310 GENETIC ANALYZER.

Investigations on forest soil response to climate change, carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, soil microflora diversity, abundance and influence C and N circulation under changing climate and human infl uence. Equipment used for investigations: equipment for soil samples collecting, transportation, storing and initial preparation. Portable soil CO2 analysis system (ACE soil exchange system), Uv/Vis Spectrophotometer. Model T70+, carbon and nitrogen analyser for soil microbiota, equipment for preparation and analyses of soil microbiota.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Forest ecology, trees genetics, diversity, forest sustainability.

SCIENTIFIC TOPICS AND PROJECTS

Topics

• Forest stands growth and productivity studies.
• Forest vegetation diversity studies.
• Forest tree genetic diversity and adaptation studies.
• Forest soil response to climate change, carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.
• Soil microfl ora diversity, abundance and infl uence C and N circulation.

Projects

• “Impact of exotic species on biodiversity, structure and sustainability of forest communities“ (Nr. LEK-10030).
• “Species, genetic diversity and sustainable development of Scots pine forest to mitigate the negative effects of increased human pressure and climate change“ (Nr. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-08-K-01-025).
• “Integrated eff ect of climate and other environmental stresses on forest capacity to adapt to and mitigate the main threats of global changes” (Nr.A-05-45/15).
• “Impact of exotic species on biodiversity, structure and sustainability of forest communities“ (Nr. LEK-10030).
• “Species, genetic diversity and sustainable development of Scots pine forest to mitigate the negative effects of increased human pressure and climate change“ (Nr. VP1-3.1-ŠMM-08-K-01-025).
• “Integrated eff ect of climate and other environmental stresses on forest capacity to adapt to and mitigate the main threats of global changes” (Nr.A-05-45/15).
• “International HORIZON project GENTREE Optimising the management and sustainable use of forest genetic resources in Europe”
• “Genetic structure, diversity and inbreeding risk of rapidly spreading populations of European beech, small-leaved lime and Norway maple in Lithuania (Nr. S-MIP-19-3)”

SERVICES

• Investigations on forest ecosystems biodiversity, productivity,sustainability and dynamics under changing climate and human infl uence.
• Investigations on forest soil response to climate change, carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation, soil microfl ora diversity, abundance and infl uence C and N circulation under changing climate and human influence.

The main aim of this laboratory is to carry out basic and applied laboratory research on Ecology, Environment and Environmental Engineering study fields. The main purpose of this laboratory is to conduct scientific research, promote scientific knowledge and to be part of the University’s study process. The laboratory carries out research work, studies and services in the following areas: Scientific research – conducting quality tests of agro, hydro and forest ecosystems. Study field – conducting lab work of bachelor, master and PhD students service provision – conducts research on environmental topics information and communication departments – organizes seminars, consultations, competitions, open days, communication via various social media channels

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Environmental factors on soil, water and plant materials properties in the system soil- water-plant

SCIENTIFIC TOPICS AND PROJECTS

• “Biodegradable polymeric composites from organic production waste” (period 2015 – 2018).

The permanent workshops

The quality of drinking water. Prof. dr. Laima Česonienė, laima.cesoniene@vdu.lt

Organic production in Lithuania. Dr. Daiva Šileikienė, daiva.sileikiene@vdu.lt