The open fields are situated at the far end of the Plant Biotechnology Centre having an area of 4255m². These are used for mother plants of certified, virus free, indicator trees which are kept for seed production. Seedlings are then used for biological indexing for both quarantine and other related diseases.

In these fields, trials on local vegetable seedlings are also carried out. The main aim for these trials is to study the old local varieties of fodder and horticultural crops that have been in use in Malta and to maintain their seeds from year to year. The characteristics of these plants are then studied and seed samples are kept for conservation purposes.

Carrots

Broad beans

Water melon

Vetch

Green marrow

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