In more detail, the tasks include development and testing of new methods applicable in all steps of plant production from forming and pruning to special cultivation methods (yield control, irrigation, nutrient supply, soil processing, etc.). The objective is to make fruit production as close to nature as possible. In addition, the Institute for Fruit Production aims at the preservation of the genetic resources of valuable cultivars and the diversity of varieties in general. Furthermore, attempts are being made to develop appropriate methods to cultivate some wild fruit varieties. Each high-quality fruit production must also consider the optimal storage of the fruits. For this reason, fruit production department is working on the development of new storage methods and processes for different fruits and analyses changes in internal and external quality characteristics of fruits under changing storage conditions.
This extensive research, cultivation and practical training is done on the test orchard Haschhof which makes a major contribution to the intensification, diversification and bigger environmental friendliness of the Austrian fruit industry. The area of the crop is about 20 hectares. The fruit department also manages a 4-hectare traditional orchard according to certified organic guidelines and a 0.5-hectare wild fruit and rootstock collection.