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The efficacy of the four silage additives Bonsilage Mais Granulat, Bonsilage Mais flüssig, Multifor-Sil Corn and NH 708 uroSIL on aerobic stability was investigated in maize silage in comparison to a treatment without additive and treatments with propionic acid (two dosages). The maize was harvested at three different dry matter levels (26, 30 and 34…

In horticulture, predictions of plant development, potential and time of harvest is important. Non-destructive parameters are needed which can be easily measured in the field.Growth of different cultivars of cauliflower and broccoli was analyzed by diameter of curd and stem and weight of curd. There was a strong correlation between the diameter of stem and…

Between 2000 and 2002 the Swiss Federal Research Stations for Agroecology and Agriculture (FAL) at Reckenholz in Zurich and for Plant Productions of Changins (RAC) conducted comparative trials with 22 varieties of tall fescue and four varieties of meadow foxtail at five experimental sites. Based on measurements and observations of yield, persistence, competitive ability, disease…

Articles in the Swiss press on tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) have lead to a broad uncertainty in summer 2002. In the present article we summarize the available information about this and the two other indigenous grassland ragwort species outside the alpine summer pastures. Senecio jacobaea as well as the similar S. erucifolius grow in ruderal…

Between 2000 and 2002 the Swiss Federal Research Stations for Plant Production at Changins (RAC) in Nyon and for Agroecology and Agriculture (FAL) at Reckenholz in Zurich conducted comparative trials with 32 varieties of cocksfoot at five experimental sites. Based on measurements and observations of yield, persistence, competitive ability, disease resistance and digestibility of organic…

The aim of the European Community of prohibiting the use of copper in agriculture promoted the research for new strategies to control potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in organic farming. The cultivation of mixtures of different potato varieties could be a promising mean to control late blight. In a field trial at Reckenholz in Zurich,…

Microbial antagonists and plant or compost extracts have a potential as environmental friendly substitutes for copper to control late blight in potatoes in organic farming. Altough plant compounds have been shown to be able to inhibit Phytophthora infestans in vitro and in greenhouse trials, even the best of them failed to control potato late blight…

The production of soybeans has started in Swiss agriculture in 1988. This article describes the knowledge acquired in the cropping system and the progress in breeding. The price policy and the political support for this crop are also presented. As crop used to diversify our agriculture, soybean production should remain attractive and competitive through concerted…

The carrot (Daucus carota L.) is one of the best liked and is in addition the predominant vegetable grown in Switzerland. However, occurrence of bitterness is one of the main factors diminishing its popularity. The causative compound is isocoumarin a phenolic. Any kind of preharvest or postharvest stress may induce its synthesis and thus bitterness…

By intercrossing Italian and perennial ryegrass, breeding progress within each of these two Lolium species can be combined into new cultivars of hybrid ryegrass. Here, we are presenting Ibex and Rusa, two new, very persistent cultivars bred by the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture (FAL), Reckenholz. Both cultivars produce almost equally high…