People

Senior university lecturer, Adjunct professor

My research is focused on cropping physiology of berry crops, and how different environmental factors and management practices affect their productivity, yield, yield quality, and postharvest physiology. During my career I have completed several projects related to production of berries, especially raspberry, but also strawberry, arctic bramble, black currant, and recently American cranberry. 

Leila Karami Doctoral researcher (2022–): Effect of pruning and fertilizer on yield, berry quality and photosynthate partitioning in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) plants in soilless culture in a high tunnel. AGFOREE, University of Helsinki.

Leila joined the Cranberry Group in September 2022 and began her PhD by contributing to several projects. Her primary research focuses on fruit thinning, pruning timing, and pruning severity in American cranberry cultivars 'Pilgrim' and 'Stevens' grown in a high plastic tunnel. Additionally, she is investigating the cultivation of Finnish native cranberries in two different substrates, both inside and outside the tunnel. She is interested in small fruit crops and vertical farming.

Jonna Pärssinen, Doctoral researcher (2023–): Effects of biochar supplement and slow-release fertilization on cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) cropping physiology and winter hardiness in substrate culture. AGFOREE, University of Helsinki.

Jonna joined cranberry science as a master’s student in Horticulture in 2019. Right after completing her Master’s degree at the University of Helsinki, she was accepted into the doctoral program in Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources in 2023. Her research explores sustainable ways to grow cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), including exploring the potential of biochar in berry production and investigating the frost resistance of roots in container cultivation.

You can find Jonna at:  Greenhouse, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Office H120

Satu Hult, MSc student (2024): Amerikankarpalon (Vaccinium macrocarpon) varastopatogeenit sekä lajikkeen ja kasvutunneliviljelyn vaikutus marjan laatuun varastossa. (Fungal storage pathogens of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the effect of cultivar and high tunnel cultivation on keeping and storage quality of the fruit).

I began my studies in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki in 2019, focusing on horticulture, plant protection and plant pathology. My Bachelor’s thesis explored potential plant diseases affecting American cranberry cultivation here in Finland. Building upon this research, my Master's thesis investigated the storage quality and identified storage pathogens of American cranberry, emphasizing practical implications for Finnish berry producers. After graduating in June 2025, I aim to continue my academic journey with doctoral studies, further pursuing my interest in Finnish berry production, plant protection strategies, and plant disease management.