The In Vitro Laboratory for Forest and Ornamental Trees is a modern scientific facility established to produce high-quality, sterile and virus-free planting material using plant tissue and organ culture and micropropagation techniques, preserve the gene pool of genetically valuable plants, and conduct biotechnology research.

The laboratory is equipped with modern equipment capable of fully supporting both research and production processes. Its principal objectives include the development of plant tissue and organ culture, the production of high-quality planting material through micropropagation, the cultivation of virus-free and phytosanitarily healthy seedlings, the conservation and enrichment of germplasm collections, the introduction of somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis technologies, as well as the conduct of biotechnology research and the development of innovative solutions.

The laboratory’s key tasks also include the preparation and quality control of sterile culture media; the selection, washing and sterilisation of explants; the cultivation and micropropagation of plants under in vitro conditions; rooting and growth stimulation; acclimatisation and adaptation to greenhouse conditions; the production of virus-free planting material and phytosanitary control; the conservation of genetic diversity and establishment of collections; the conduct of scientific research, experiments and innovative developments; the analysis of results obtained; and their application in practice.

Healthy, young plant material is selected and subjected to surface sterilisation under sterile conditions. It is then placed onto a nutrient medium and incubated. The multiplication of shoots is achieved through specific ratios of nutrients and plant growth regulators. To develop the root system, plants are cultured on a specialised rooting medium. This is followed by an acclimatisation stage, during which the plants are gradually adapted to external conditions. At the final stage, healthy seedlings are transferred to the greenhouse.

The laboratory will contribute to the production of high-quality, virus-free planting material, the rapid propagation of large numbers of seedlings, the conservation of genetically stable and valuable varieties, the establishment of phytosanitarily healthy plantations, the practical application of biotechnological innovations, and improved efficiency in agriculture and forestry.

The Innovative Laboratory for Forest and Ornamental Plants brings together several specialised laboratories. It conducts scientific research on the breeding of fast-growing and valuable tree species that produce high-quality timber, as well as the breeding, seed production and cultivation of planting material for nut-bearing trees and shrubs. Educational manuals, monographs and scientific developments are also prepared in the fields of forestry and related disciplines.

In addition, the laboratory determines the humus content and the total and available forms of the principal soil nutrients (NPK), including N-NO₃, N-NH₄, P₂O₅ and K₂O. Soil moisture at full field capacity (FC), mechanical composition, structure and salinity are also determined. Forest soils are monitored, the nutrient status of nursery soils is assessed and recommendations are developed on the use of fertilisers. Agrotechnical and forest reclamation measures are introduced to prevent soil degradation and erosion.

These activities contribute to the assessment of the ecological condition of forest soils through fertility monitoring, the enhancement of soil fertility and the development of scientifically sound recommendations for improving the condition of forest ecosystems.

The laboratory also conducts laboratory analyses of seeds from forest, ornamental and desert plants. Seed germination, purity, moisture content and suitability for sowing are determined, while seed material is assessed and certified in accordance with established standards. Recommendations are developed on seed grading, cleaning, drying and storage, and seed storage and processing technologies are improved. Scientific research is conducted, new methods and technologies are introduced, scientific personnel are trained, young researchers are supported and international cooperation is developed.

The laboratory analyses seeds of birch and coniferous trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, desert plants, medicinal plants, lawn and groundcover plants, subtropical and rare plants, as well as seeds of other plant species.

As a result, high-quality seed material is produced, seed germination and quality indicators are determined accurately, forestry enterprises are supplied with high-quality seeds, seed storage periods are extended and losses are reduced. Scientific articles, manuals and recommendations on seed production are prepared, modern methods of laboratory analysis are introduced and scientific developments are put into practical application, contributing to greater efficiency in the sector.

In addition, the germplasm of forest, ornamental and desert plants is conserved and further developed.