We conduct quality analyses in plant breeding, plant health and plant protection research in the areas of integrated plant protection application, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, pests, and pesticide resistance.
In the biochemistry laboratory, the composition of food and fodder crops is analyzed, and various quality indicators are studied. Depending on the culture, the content of dry matter, protein, ascorbic acid, sugar, starch, and ash is determined. Crude and neutral fiber content is defined in forage samples of grasses and leguminous crops.
In order to clarify the baking properties and quality of wheat: the ash, protein, starch content, adhesive protein, and the falling number are determined. Venogram, variogram, extensional, and test baking are performed to determine the physical properties of the dough.
Research on the application of genetic methods includes molecular diagnostic methods for detecting viruses and viroids in potatoes and tomatoes, fungal disease studies, fungicide resistance monitoring in cereals, and insecticide resistance monitoring in rapeseed.
Pille Sooväli, PhD
Head of Department
Department of Plant Protection
