Archive

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.

A survey conducted in a Syrah population originating in Northern Côtes du Rhône (France) resulted in the selection of three new Syrah clones with highly promising characteristics, distributed by the Swiss certification sector.

Delaying the timing of the first hedge trimming is of limited technical value in vineyard canopy management. Its impact on lateral shoot growth and must composition is minimal.

The effectiveness of an application of foliar nitrogen at veraison depends on the initial level of vine nitrogen deficiency, an Agroscope study has shown. The threshold levels of assimilable nitrogen deficiency in the grape must are validated for Chardonnay but still need to be confirmed for Sauvignon Blanc.