Test Center Horst

The team at the Test Centre in Horst use heat treatment to free woody plants such as apples, pears, strawberries and roses from viruses. The tips of the treated plants are grafted onto virus free root stocks or cuttings are produced. A range of tests is then performed to confirm the virus free status of the grafted tops. These tests consist of laboratory analysis, sap inoculation on test plants and grafting onto woody indicators.

Multi-year tests are used to check whether the propagating material of varieties remains pathogen free. Companies can also have material stored under controlled conditions in Horst.

On behalf of the propagators, the Test Centre maintains an extensive collection of virus free plants and trees. This collection holds many varieties of small and large fruit, avenue trees, ornamental trees, roses and shrubs.

Since recently, material for testing purposes can be imported from third countries via a legal channel (the Test Centre) under directive 2008/61/EG (formerly 95/44 EG). After the required quarantine procedure, the Test Centre issues a health clearance certificate which releases the material for use and marketing within the EU.

For more information you can contact Test Center Horst.