ISHS Acta Horticulturae 299: Forum on Strategies for Horticultural Societies in the 1990's, XXIII IHC
GREECE - GREEK SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE |
| Author: | I.C. Porlingis |
| Abstract:
The purpose of the Greek Society for Horticultural Science (GSHS) is to cultivate the spirit of cooperation among its members and to promote the development of horticultural research and education. Membership includes scientists working in the field of horticulture and other related fields, of research, education or extension. The majority of the members are horticulturists. The rest of them are working in the fields of plant genetics and breeding, plant pathology, entomology, soil science and agricultural engineering. Some members belong to other Greek scientific societies. The GSHS publishes, every 3–4 years, a volume of proceedings containing scientific articles, reviews, reports of the society activities and a list with the titles of horticultural and other related articles published in Greek periodicals. Seven hundred copies of the last volume were printed. The GSHS promotes research by organizing scientific meetings, by the publication of the proceedings, and by conducting studies for determining the research priorities in different sectors of Horticulture as fruit culture and vegetables. Research coordination is obtained indirectly by facilitating personal contacts and cultivating the spirit of cooperation among scientists. The society organizes, at the University of Thessaloniki, three meetings each year with 2–3 lectures in each of them with discussion on important scientific subjects. Occasionally lectures are given in important horticultural centers of Greece. In collaboration with the "Goethe" Institute, an educational organization of W. Germany, a symposium is organized in Thessaloniki every three years. Here German and Greek scientists participate. The national convention of the GSHS takes place every second year. In 1989 100 scientists participated and 65 research papers were presented in oral and poster sessions. Professional trips or exhibitions are not organized. The GSHS has very good and close official relations with some research institutes of the country. Grower associations and local and national government services are restricted and concern only the organization of certain meetings or lectures. There is no participation in formulating government policy for horticulture. The GSHS works systematically in the Schools of Agriculture to inform, encourage and help some of the best students to do postgraduate studies in horticulture abroad or in Greece. It conducted a study among the extension horticulturists to determine the subjects for which they require more and better information. These important subjects are included in the programs of the scientific meetings and symposia organized by the society. The prospects for the future growth and activity of the GSHS are very good. An increasing number of scientists are joining and its work gradually is expanding and recognized. Since horticulture is an important branch of the Greek economy, more support is expected from public and private organizations. The close cooperation with the horticultural societies of other countries could help fulfill our aims. | |
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