Advancing Horticultural Science for a Sustainable Future

The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is an autonomous organization under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), dedicated to research in fruits, vegetables, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic crops.

Explore Our Research

About ICAR-IIHR

Established in 1967, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) at Bengaluru is the premier institute for horticultural research in the country. The institute operates under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.

IIHR's mandate is to conduct basic, strategic and applied research on horticultural crops to enhance productivity, quality and utilization. The institute has made significant contributions in the development of high-yielding varieties, pest and disease management, post-harvest technology and value addition.

The institute is spread over 320 hectares of land, housing state-of-the-art laboratories, experimental fields, a germplasm repository, and advanced glasshouse facilities. Our research focuses on sustainable horticulture practices that benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Our Vision

"To be a global leader in horticultural research, innovation and knowledge dissemination for sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods."

IIHR Campus aerial view
320+

Hectares of Research Area

55+

Years of Excellence

150+

Released Varieties

200+

Research Scientists

Our Research Divisions

Fruit research laboratory

Fruit Crops

Research on genetic improvement, production technology, and protection of tropical and subtropical fruits including mango, banana, guava, papaya, citrus, pomegranate, and grapes. Development of high-density planting systems and canopy management.

Vegetable research field

Vegetable Crops

Breeding for biotic and abiotic stress resistance, quality improvement in tomato, brinjal, chilli, okra, cucurbits, cole crops, and leafy vegetables. Development of protected cultivation technologies and organic production protocols.

Floriculture garden

Floriculture

Research on traditional and cut flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, and landscape gardening. Development of varieties and production technologies for rose, marigold, jasmine, chrysanthemum, tuberose, and gerbera.

Academic & Outreach Programs

IIHR offers Ph.D. and M.Sc. programs in various horticultural disciplines through the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and other agricultural universities. The institute provides excellent research facilities, guidance from eminent scientists, and fellowships to deserving students.

Eligibility: Master's degree in relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks for Ph.D. programs; Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture with minimum 60% for M.Sc. programs.

Admission Cycle: Applications typically open in January-February each year.

Regular training programs are conducted for farmers, extension workers, and entrepreneurs on various aspects of horticultural production, plant protection, post-harvest management, and value addition. Both on-campus and off-campus training programs are organized throughout the year.

Upcoming Programs: Advanced Course in Greenhouse Technology (May 15-20, 2024), Organic Horticulture Production (June 10-15, 2024), Post-Harvest Management of Fruits (July 5-10, 2024).

IIHR has active collaborations with several international organizations including USDA-ARS, World Vegetable Center, CABI, University of Florida, and Wageningen University. These collaborations involve student exchange, joint research projects, and technology sharing.

Current collaborative projects include: "Genomic approaches for drought tolerance in tomato" (with University of California, Davis), "Biological control of invasive pests in horticultural crops" (with CABI), and "Post-harvest physiology of tropical fruits" (with University of Florida).

Recent Publications & Achievements

Notable Publications

  • Genetic diversity analysis of Indian mango varieties using SSR markers - Scientia Horticulturae, 2023
  • Development of climate-resilient tomato varieties through genomic selection - Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023
  • Integrated pest management strategies for brinjal shoot and fruit borer - Crop Protection, 2023
  • Post-harvest quality enhancement of papaya using edible coatings - Postharvest Biology and Technology, 2023
  • Water-use efficiency in grapevine under deficit irrigation regimes - Agricultural Water Management, 2023
View All Publications

Awards & Recognition

2023 ICAR Best Institute Award

Awarded for outstanding contribution to horticultural research and technology dissemination.

National Innovation Award 2022

For development of "Arka" series vegetable varieties with high nutritional value.

Best Technology Commercialization Award 2021

For successful transfer of banana tissue culture technology to private entrepreneurs.

Five Patents Granted (2020-2023)

Including novel plant varieties, bio-pesticides formulations, and post-harvest technologies.

Contact Information

Address

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Hessaraghatta Lake Post,
Bengaluru - 560089, Karnataka, India

Contact Details

Phone: +91-80-28466420
Fax: +91-80-28466291
Email: [email protected]
Director: [email protected]

Official Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM IST
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM IST
Sunday & National Holidays: Closed

For visitor access, prior appointment is required. Please contact the Public Relations Office at least 48 hours in advance.

Collaborating Institutions

ICAR New Delhi IARI World Vegetable Center FAO CAB International USDA Wageningen UR Ministry of Agriculture