DEPARTMENT OF EXTENSION SERVICE

The department is the leading unit in introduction of the results of research works into practice. (Dr. A. Holewinski, Dr. G. Klimek, G. Bielecka M.Sc., J. Mochecki M.Sc.,  I. Czuj M.Sc., E. Jesiotr, M.Sc. K. Klepaczko M.Sc., T. Ligocka M.Sc., H. Pietrzkowska, M.Sc., E. Taczanowska M.Sc.)

Extension work in the Institute and Experiment Stations is being developed in several directions, using all generally recognized extension methods and sources of information. It requires close contacts with extension agents responsible for the development of fruit production (Provincial Centres for Progress and Agriculture -ODR, Provincial Quarantine and Plant Protection Stations, Trade Organizations), Agricultural Universities, Horticultural Schools, press, radio, television and state, cooperative and private producers. 

    Poland has developed a unified system of extension work, whose task it is to introduce the newest of agricultural research into practice. This is a complex, far-reaching system, which is divided into the following stages:

• research in scientific institutes

• adaptive studies in experiment stations and innovative farms

• demonstration studies in chosen leading farms

• introduction of innovations to large-scale production.

    Each of the Experiment Stations of the Institute conducts work on adaptations and introductions of innovations on a broad scale. This work concerns all of the research subjects which require introductory preparation of their results for use in the region where the Experiment Station is located. Thus when a research project or part thereof is finished, the results are first used on a broad scale in the orchards of the Stations. In this way, these stations play the role of innovative farms in their regions.

    Most of the burden of extension work in fruit production is borne by the instructors of the Provincial Centers for Progress in Agriculture (ODR). The continuing education of these instructors is one of the major tasks of the Institute's extension service. Every year the Institute provides continuing education for instructors from ODR. In order to make the choice of subject matter and form of extension work earier for the ODR, the Department of Extension Services suggests a program for the presentation of the newest innovations, taking into consideration the composition of the audience and methods of extension work. Based on this program, the subject matter of courses is determined. Courses are usually conducted in the winter months. There are several courses each year, lasting one or two weeks; they are usually attended by 150-200 people. In addition, a seminar form of continuing education for instructors has been introduced at consultation points located at both the Central Institute and the Experiment Stations.

    The Department of Extension Services cooperates primarily with a chosen group of a few hundred fruit growers, whose orchards form a network of innovative farms. These growers are the first to introduce the results of research work into their orchards, often with the help and under the guidance of research scientists. There are also situations in which scientific research is conducted on private fruit farms. Close cooperation between the research scientist and the experienced fruit grower provides a model for experimental work; their collaboration in careful control of the work brings fruitful results. As the newest scientific achievements are introduced directly into the grower's orchard, this aids in the rapid spread of innovations into general practice.

Particularly important role is played by the conferences of fruit growers organized by the Institute every year. They not only present an opportunity to present the latest research results and to discuss them with the best fruit growers, but they are also a chance for an exchange of experiences among growers and between growers and scientists.

    At present there is continuing collaboration with all the important professional magazines working on the popularization of progress in horticulture, including "Haslo Ogrodnicze", "Owoce Warzywa Kwiaty", "Sad Nowoczesny", "Ogrodnictwo" and "Dzialkowiec". Researchers from the Institute write articles for these periodicals.

Publications

The Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture publishes a periodical "Journal Fruit Ornamental Plant Research" which is issued quartally and also in Polish "Zeszyty Naukowe ISK".