Archive

Although there is enormous microbial diversity in blueberry substrate, there is no strong correlation between diversity and yield, according to a new Agroscope study examining the interaction of soil biology and cropping system.

Agroscope researchers tested three natural antagonists of the tomato leafminer on six tomato genotypes. Of the three genotypes displaying a degree of resistance, two were found to be compatible with the natural enemies of the pest.

A study led by Agroscope has deepened our understanding of the genetic mechanisms responsible for grape skin colour. New findings have led to a revision of the genealogy of the Rouge du Pays cultivar (Cornalin du Valais) and contributed to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of the grapevine.

A study on Chasselas grapevines shows that yield regulation by cluster thinning after foliar fertilisation does not increase grape nitrogen concentration but does encourage N accumulation in the perennial parts of the vine.

An Agroscope study shows that pre-flowering removal of the main leaves instead of the lateral shoots appears to be a viable practice with a moderate effect on both yield potential and must composition.

Foliar fertilisation around veraison improves grape nitrogen levels without affecting vigour. A trial shows that the fertilisers ‘Safe N 300’ and ‘Folur’ effectively increase assimilable nitrogen in the grape must; however, their degree of effectiveness depends on climatic conditions.

Summer droughts reduce grassland yields and forage quality. More drought-resistant than herbaceous species, certain trees can provide supplementary forage of good nutritional value in summer. Increasingly intense summer droughts have led to a sharp decline in the yields and nutritional value of grassland forages. Producing sufficient supplies of quality forage has therefore become a genuine…

The stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci causes damage to field crops. The pest attacks many different host plants. We examined these plants’ susceptibility to D. dispaci and, based on our findings, recommend crop rotation.

An eight-year project is helping farmers in the canton of Solothurn to maintain and increase the fertility of their arable land by building up humus.

A study conducted on Chasselas vines in Switzerland shows the effects of yield regulation practices on grape ripening and nitrogen composition and suggests a two-year approach for optimising quality and sustainability.

The combination of competition by forage plants and herbivory by native root-boring moth larvae can significantly reduce the growth of small broad-leaved dock plants in permanent grasslands.

A formidable disease of grapevine, flavescence dorée continues to spread in Switzerland. The most recent knowledge acquired in Ticino allows us to better understand the role played in the risk of infection by gone-wild grapevines in woodlands around vineyards.

A survey conducted by the Experimental Station for Viticulture and Oenology has furthered our understanding of nitrogen nutrition management practices in the vineyard and wine cellar for the Chasselas and Petite Arvine grape varieties in the Valais, highlighting potential avenues for improvement. In 2023, a questionnaire was sent to the producers of the Vitival network…

A study conducted by Agroscope in collaboration with IP-Suisse, DSP and FFB-Group shows that wheat variety mixtures generally perform better and are more stable than varieties grown in pure stands. Recommendations are made for practical applications.

A new model for predicting herbage biomass in pastures uses UAV-based image data and machine learning. The method promises greater accuracy and flexibility compared to conventional measurement methods.

In the PestiRed project, farmers test agroecological measures for reducing the use of chemical plant-protection products. Agroscope identified and characterised the weed flora of wheat, barley and oilseed rape.

Fast-growing Westerwold ryegrass delivers valuable high yields on annual temporary leys and in forage intercropping. Based on the most recent variety trials, Agroscope can now recommend three new multi-cut varieties and earmark a single-cut variety for recommendation.

Timothy and meadow fescue are key components of high-performance mixtures for forage production. Agroscope can now recommend one new variety of timothy and earmark a meadow fescue for recommendation based on variety tests conducted from 2021 to 2023.

Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) is in increasing demand from consumers and bakeries. Linking phenotypic traits to the underlying genetic information of each variety helps us to better categorise the spelt varieties in Switzerland.

Berseem and Persian clover are grown mainly as a catch crop in Switzerland. Three new cultivars from the latest Agroscope trials are to be added to the List of Recommended Varieties of Forage Crops.

Plants release root exudates – compounds that influence the growth of their neighbours – into the soil. Understanding this mechanism allows us to devise new approaches for biological weed control.

Although fairly widespread in the vineyards of Valais in the 19th century, Blanchier seemed to have disappeared. Now the grape variety was rediscovered in several locations.

Twelve heritage grape varieties grown in Valais and at risk of extinction have been added to Agroscope’s grape varieties collection and studied. This action is linked to the National Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources.

Are drought-tolerant catch crops a good source of feed? A trial conducted by Agroscope shows that their potential is limited. Combining certain of these catch crops with legumes can improve feed quality, including in the form of silage.

Foliar applications of a zeolite-based biostimulant improved the yield as well as the export of nitrogen of winter wheat and maize. This represents an option for improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing losses.

Although effective microorganisms (EM) are frequently used to shallowly incorporate green manures (cover crops) in the field, almost no scientific research has been conducted on them to date. This study simulated the decomposition of green manures with EM in the laboratory.

Widespread in the Swiss alpine region, Festuca apennina could serve as a fodder plant for higher elevations. It also forms vigorous hybrids with meadow fescue and ryegrass. Does this make it suitable for improvement by breeding?

When wireworm damage to potato tubers is excessive the crop ceases to be marketable. Various control options were explored in an effort to remedy the problem.