The research is focused on two main areas:

1. Postharvest and quality in edible plants. 
2. Bioactive compounds/antioxidants; healthful substances in fruit & vegetables

Fruit & vegetables and health. Many compounds in plant food have an important role in a health-promoting diet. We are investigating how the content of these compounds can be optimized, by choice of cultivars, production methods, and postharvest handling and storage. Also the effects of processing on the content of these substances are analysed. Medicinal effects have been investigated, including anti-cancer effects in vitro.

Preharvest factors. We investigate how preharvest factors can improve quality of horticultural edible products. Cultivation practices, such as fertilization or growth stage at harvest, can influence both external quality at harvest, but also the postharvest quality and the length of the shelf life. We will develop cultivation practice for achieving high quality products, but also develop postharvest handling and packaging to preserve quality. By choice of specific packaging material suitable for the product, the postharvest quality may be better maintained. We contribute to the development of new products from fruit and vegetables by research that creates the necessary conditions of know-how for the development.

Organic production. The quality of organically produced products needs specific attention, and the division is involved in research investigating which factors that influence the external quality, as well as taste and storability.