Balsgård

At Balsgård we presently perform strategic and applied research and development in genetics and plant breeding, focussing on fruit, berries and woody ornamentals like roses and clematis. As part of these activities, we also preserve and utilize genetic resources. The major part of our activities is funded by external sources, e.g. research councils.

We emphasize plant genetic research directed at the breeding of fruit and berries. High priority is given to factors like resistance, durable production systems, and contents of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. In addition, we also work with problems concerning domestication of fruit and berry crops as well as the introduction and selection of woody ornamentals. Our research also comprises analyses of genetic variation concerning morphology, horticulturally important traits and DNA-markers, identification of plant material with genetic markers and analyses for optimization of gene bank material, as well as production methods for fruit and berry crops.

In addition, we also endeavour to preserve and develop a nationally and internationally interesting gene bank for fruit and berries, that will enable both short- and longterm  research and breeding projects. The plant material constitutes a unique resource for valuable characters, and contains both traditional as well as new and research-intensive fruit and berry crops, like e.g. unique collections of winter-hardy sea buckthorn and rose hips.

Recently, we have also strengthened our activities directed towards innovative Swedish food production. Through the development of good tastes, beneficial health effects and and high quality, domestic food products can become more marketable. We airm to become an attractive and active part in the alliance between different actors in the food chain.

Hilde Nybom Visiting address: Balsgård-SLU, Fjälkestadsvägen 459, 291 94 Kristianstad Delivery address: Balsgård-SLU, Fjälkestadsvägen 459, SE-29194 Kristianstad, Sweden Telephone: +46 44 26 58 00 Fax: +46 44 26 58 30 e-mail