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Smart plant production

Luke’s plant production research produces information and methods for developing the cultivation of field crops, horticultural plants, and greenhouse plants. Our key research areas include the diversity of rural nature, preservation of plant genetic resources, and plant use for landscaping.

Photo: Eetu Ahanen

Luke focuses on improving the growth and yield of plants as well as production technology and economy. We aim to produce safe raw materials and sustainable production systems that cause the smallest possible load to the environment. Our research data on the maintenance of cultivated land and soil helps reduce leaching and run-off of nitrogen and phosphorus and improve the maintenance of arable land.

Soil and plant nutrition

Our research focuses on the status and sustainable use of arable soils, which are examined as a resource for production but also as a natural resource and a source of environmental pollution.

Cultivation methods and systems

In plant production, Luke’s key research topics include temperate cereals, grasses, oil crops, leguminous plants, potato, and various special crops. Our development of cultivation methods and systems is based on expertise in crop physiology and the ecological sustainability of production. The results are applied to food and feed production as well as bioenergy and other non-food production.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Plant protection limits the effect of diseases, pests and weeds on cultivated plants during growth seasons and storage. We can help prevent yield and quality losses by ecologically acceptable and cost-effective means.

Horticulture

Luke’s horticulture research is dedicated to broadening the range of horticultural plant varieties and developing good production methods for greenhouses, open fields, and the landscaping industry.

Further information