The « Research Institute of Horticulture and Seeds » was created in Angers in January 2012, under the auspices of INRA, AGROCAMPUS OUEST and the University of Angers.

Located in the heart of a major European horticultural and seed production basin in the « Pays de la Loire » region, the institute combines much of the plant biology research performed within the region.

This large institute, consisting of 235 members, including 175 permanent staff, conducts research dealing with the quality and health of horticultural crops.

The main subjects of study are roses and other ornamentals, pome-fruits and legumes, plant pathogens (bacteria and fungi), and seeds. The institute develops integrated approaches by coordinating the efforts and expert knowledge of the research teams within the areas of genetics, epigenetics, genomics, breeding, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, eco-physiology, modelling, bioinformatics and statistics. The IRHS is a member of the federation of plant biology institutes “QuaSaV”, and of the competitiveness cluster “Végépolys”, which unites companies, research laboratories and institutions of higher education in the Loire Valley, joining their forces in innovative projects to enhance competitiveness of the sector.