Environmental Physiology and Developmental Biology

This Working Group is an international scientific community of experts focussed on developing and disseminating knowledge on the interaction of plant physiology, environment and the biology of plant development. Its members constitute scientists and technical advisors from scientific institutes, universities and industries.

The Working Group published the proceedings of their first symposium in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, in 1983, in Acta Horticulturae 149. Regular international symposia are generally held in conjunction with other Working Groups having similar interest across scientific disciplines and species. During these symposia, we support presentation of high quality, innovative scientific research, from both experienced and emerging researchers, and desire to engage in discussion on challenging topics facing current and future horticulture. We particularly encourage engagement and visibility among young scientists.

While historically the Working Group has concentrated primarily on research in tree fruit crops, work is not limited to this area, and interactions with researchers in all commercial and developing horticultural crops are welcomed. In the past, the Working Group has also focussed on plants in unprotected environments, but with the increasing need for and ability to protect orchard environments, we also welcome interaction in the areas of covered and semi-protected production environments. Uncertainty around changing climates in current production areas, expansion of field horticulture into areas previously considered marginal, in the context of volatility in consumer demands and global trade, are significant areas of interest to the Working Group. When combined with the rapid increase in technology available for science and horticultural management, and the need to act in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner, there is ample future work for this Working Group.