Archive

Meadow fescue is an important fodder grass on temporary leys in Switzerland. Agroscope tested 24 varieties of meadow fescue on six sites. Three new cultivars proved impressive in the growing trials and are designated for variety recommendation.

Seeds are generally routinely treated with plant-protection products to safeguard yields. A study conducted on wheat seeds and based on new field data shows that when disease pressure is low, this routine treatment offers no benefit in many cases.

Fungicide seed coatings protect seeds and safeguard yields, but can adversely affect beneficial soil fungi. Recent findings from various experimental systems – from controlled laboratory trials to real-life conditions in the field – show how dramatically these effects can vary.

Where in Europe will tomorrow’s wine be produced? A study based on climate analogues shows that global warming will redefine the wine-growing regions, with diseases playing a vital role.

For the first time, a genetic analysis provides a detailed image of how flavescence dorée spreads in Swiss vineyards north of the Alps, showing that infected planting material and local dissemination both contribute to the growth of the epidemic.

In Switzerland a large proportion of strawberries and raspberries are grown under protective structures that could be combined with agrivoltaic systems. A study conducted by Agroscope and Insolight investigated how shading impacts yield and fruit quality and calculated threshold values.

The hot, dry years between 2021 and 2025 substantially reduced the yeast-assimilable nitrogen in the musts of Vaud wines – particularly in Chasselas – with direct impacts on fermentation and wine quality.

Mixtures of several forage-plant species systematically increase yields with lower fertiliser input. Higher temperatures enhance the benefits of these mixtures, making them a key component of climate-change adaptation.

A recently published paper by Agroscope gives an overview of preventive measures and non-chemical methods of controlling weeds, diseases and pests in arable farming and field vegetable cultivation.

Thanks to the selection of new clones, the ‘Räuschling’ grape variety has become more consistent in terms of cultivation and wine quality. Multi-year trials have shown that four new clones stabilise yield and quality and reduce the risk of both berry splitting and Botrytis (grey mould) infestation.

Plant-plant interactions can contribute to yield security and resilience. The significance of these interactions in agriculture is contentious, not least of all because the mechanisms are largely unclear. This study summarises the current state of knowledge.

Incorporating the SOM:clay ratio in the Principles of Agricultural Crop Fertilisation in Switzerland (PRIF) allows us to give more specific agronomic advice at each site based on a broader considera-tion of soil quality.

Wines produced from resistant grape varieties are in the ascendant in Swizerland. Consumers are showing that they are open to them. The market penetration of these wines, especially in the catering sector, could be improved through better communication.

The biodiversity of grassland areas is a precious resource that must be preserved. The evaluation of the in situ conservation programme by farmers and experts has led to recommendations for its improvement.

Interest in drought-adapted alternative forage plants is growing. What is their potential as catch crops? A study by Agroscope highlights the advantages and limitations of a selection of these crops.

A recent study shows that the risk of exposure during activities involving seeds treated with plant protection products is not always properly understood. Information provided to agricultural professionals should be improved.

An Agroscope study shows that breeding cultivar mixtures is an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of changing abiotic conditions and maintaining stable wheat quality.

White clover and smooth-stalked meadow grass make a significant contribution to persistence and grazeability in high-yielding fodder-production mixtures. Based on the 2022 to 2024 variety trials, Agroscope can now recommend two new varieties for each of these species.

The use of vegetable fibre can reduce plant-protection product residues by up to 80% in white musts, with a more limited effect in red musts.. The method can be applied in cellar, as a complement to the responsible use of products in the vineyard.

The 451 wines analysed on the VITISWISS national platform for monitoring plant-protection product residues show that Swiss wines possess a high level of quality, with only two cases of non-compliance.

A survey conducted in the Canton of Vaud on Chasselas reveals frequent nitrogen deficiencies in the vineyard for the 2022-2023 vintage, despite the application of soil supplements. Only a third of those surveyed measure yeast-assimilable nitrogen (YAN) in the must.

Autumn-sown annual or perennial flower strips support antagonists of aphids, which are vectors of virus yellows, a severe disease in sugar beet. The effectiveness of these strips is influenced by floral composition, sowing time point and surrounding landscape elements.

Faced with climate change that undermines the stability of forage production, the introduction of more-drought-tolerant catch crops represents an adaptive strategy with a high likelihood of success in safeguarding livestock feed supplies.

Cocksfoot is a productive, robust and drought-tolerant forage grass often used in Swiss grass leys. The most recent variety testing by Agroscope has led to the recommendation of several new top-performing cultivars.