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Plant protection laboratory undertakes research work on horticultural pest species diversity, extent of damage, their biology and ecology . Relatively new emerging pests and diseases are thoroughly investigated under changing agroclimatic conditions. Integrated pest management systems for horticulture are being established and implemented. A network of meteorological stations equipped with pest and disease forecasting tools was established since 2007. Pest and disease forecasting models are being validated and adapted to local conditions as well as implemented in horticultural sector by the research workers of Plant protection laboratory in order to ensure optimal use of plant protection products. Since 2001 efficacy trials of plat protection products are being performed according to requirements of Good Experimental Practice (GEP certificate), thus ensuring high quality of trials and recognition of results in other member states of European Union. Most recent challenge in plant protection is to ensure optimal needs for pesticides in Lithuanian fruit and vegetable production sector based on phytosanitary state of gardens and efficacy of plant protection products in use, in the context of sustainable use of pesticides according to EU directive 2009/128/EB. In current paper most important results of studies performed in 2008-2012 are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides 25 years overview of vegetable breeding researches at the Institute of Horticulture, LRCAF. Vegetable breeding research work was carried out in following programs: "Horticulture: agrobiological basics and technology" and "Agriculture and forest plant genetics and genotypes targeted replacement". Applying hybridization, evaluation of breeding material, directional selection and long-term selection methods from the local population samples, there were developed new cultivars and hybrids. 49 new vegetable cultivars and hybrids were created since 1987 and the result of all breeding work -- more than 70 cultivars of vegetables and rare plants. In 2003-2013 investigations were carried out in Poland and the result determines that Lithuanian cultivars were included in the EU Common Catalogue of Agricultural Plant and Vegetable Varieties. 36 vegetable cultivars and hybrids were included in the National Plant Variety List and EU Common Catalogue of Agricultural Plant and Vegetable Varieties until 2013. More than 60 species are grown in the collection of rare vegetable and spice plants. Technologies of their growing and propagation are investigated, suitable plants for Lithuanian climate are selected and seed propagation is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]