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Plant production

Rüegg J., Total R., Jermini M., Scettrini S., Wohlhauser R., Wolf S., Sanderson G.

Crop-adapted crop protection measures in high-growing greenhouse vegetables

Currently the grower of glasshouse crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants or sweet pepper does not have a clear guidance on how to adapt the dosage of fungicides, insecticides or acaricides to his growing crops. In most cases the total leaf area of the crop represents the target area for the application of crop protection…
Plant production

Bänziger I., Zanetti S., Hebeisen T., Graff L., Vogelgsang S.

Fifteen years of organic cereal seed health analyses at Agroscope ART

Investigations on organically produced cereal seed over the past 15 years have shown the importance of the control of seed-borne diseases. Although disease pressure depends on annual fluctuations caused by the weather, infestation with common and dwarf bunt (Tilletia caries/T. controversa) has increased in the last few years, with the former primarily occurring on spelt…
Plant production

Boller B., Tanner P., Schubiger F.

Pastor – a new red clover suitable for grazing

For the first time, a red clover variety bred and tested especially for its suitability for grazing is available to Swiss agriculture. Named Pastor, this variety traces back to crosses between an ecotype stemming from the canton of Jura, and Mattenklee breeding material. The new variety is characterised by a lower, flatter growth habit and…
Environment

Duss M., Meichtry-Stier K., Pasinelli G., Baur B., Birrer S.

Grasshoppers and crickets benefit from connected ecological compensation areas

The quality and connectivity of ecological compensation areas (ECA) may be improved by habitat connectivity projects. The effects of such a project on the distribution of field cricket (Gryllus campestris) and large gold grasshopper (Chrysochraon dispar) were studied in the Plain of Wauwil (canton of Lucerne). The presence of both species, as well as eight…
Animal production

Piccand V., Cutullic E., Schori F., Kekeis K., Gazzarin C., Wanner M., Thomet P.

Wich cow for pasture-based production systems?: Synthesis and outlook

The objective of the study was to compare, within pasture-based seasonal-calving systems, the performance of Swiss Holstein-Friesian, Fleckvieh and Brown Swiss dairy cows with New Zealand Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Within the trial, the two Holstein breeds had the best production performance, whereas the Fleckvieh cows had optimal reproductive performance. Swiss Holstein cows were efficient milk…
Food

Bachmann H.-P., Eugster E., Guggenbühl B., Schär H.

World champion cheese cultures

Swiss cheeses regularly win prizes at international contests. Experts widely agree that the microbial cultures from Liebefeld have contributed greatly to this success story. Thanks to the use of cultures with bacteria originally stemming from biodiversity in the nearby area, the connection between traditional Swiss cheeses and their terroir can be strengthened considerably. This article…
Plant production

Silvestri G., Egger S.

Robust varieties crucial for fireblight control

The loss of traditional apple orchards, also due to fire blight outbreaks, is threatening the supply of the Swiss cider industry in high quality cider apples. Fireblight tolerant varieties are a key-factor in a sustainable disease-management. They not only ensure the availability of high quality cider apples, but also help to maintain traditional orchards, playing…
Plant production

Musa T., Jenny E., Forrer H.-R., Vogelgsang S.

Fusaria and mycotoxins in grain maize in Switzerland

Between 2008 and 2010, Agroscope Reckenholz- Tänikon ART conducted a first Swiss-wide monitoring of commercial grain maize samples. The aim was to determine the occurrence and impact of different Fusarium species in order to assess the potential risk of mycotoxin contamination. In addition, we evaluated the potential influence of different cropping factors in order to…
Plant production

Vogler U., Baur R.

ProfiGemüse CH – a new network as integrated project of ProfiCrops

ProfiGemüse CH, which is an integrated project of ProfiCrops, aims to strengthen the competitiveness of swiss vegetable producers in the market. In order to reach this goal, the acquisition of knowledge related to technical aspects of the production and business related knowledge will be promoted and transferred into practice. Though, the interconnection of existing competences…
Plant production

Sauer-Kesper C., Lucia N., Buser H., Vogler U.

The new biotype Nr:1 of the currant lettuce aphid: its distribution and impact on Swiss lettuce production

The currant lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley) is the most common aphid species on field-grown lettuce in Europe. Cultivation of lettuce varieties, resistant to the currant lettuce aphid (possessing the resistance Nr:0), was an important tool to control Nasonovia in the crop, until the plant resistance was broken down. In 2007, the currant lettuce aphid…
Plant production

Kuske S., Schweizer C., Kölliker U.

Microbial pollen beetle control: initial experience gained in Switzerland

Pollen beetle control without insecticides presents a major challenge to organic farming. There are currently no effective options available for controlling infestations in bioproduction or cultivation conforming to IP-SUISSE guidelines. An insecticidal fungusbased method was tested to assess the potential of microbial pest control strategies. Domestic isolates of Beauveria bassiana, found as natural pathogens on…
Plant production

Foetzki A., Winzeler M., Boller T., Felber F., Gruissem W., Keel C., Keller B., Mascher F., Maurhofer M., Nentwig W., Romeis J.

Field trials with genetically modified powdery mildew-resistant wheat

The benefits and environmental risks of genetically modified (GM) spring wheat with improved powdery mildew resistance were investigated on two field sites by a consortium of Swiss research groups from 2008 to 2010. GM wheat lines with specific powdery mildew resistance and general fungal resistance were compared with control lines, commercial wheat varieties, and with…
Environment

Jossi W., Zihlmann U., Anken T., Dorn B., Van der Heijden M.

Reduced tillage protects earthworms

Earthworm activity improves soil fertility. In arable crop rotations highest earthworm populations are usually found in leys. The impact of tillage system and tillage intensity on earthworm populations was studied in the two long term trials at urgrain (Albertswil LU) and at Hausweid (Aadorf TG). At Burgrain having a crop rotation lasting six years and…
Plant production

Breitenmoser S., Dubuis N., Grillot L., Brodard J., Balmelli C.

Viral diseases of oilseed rape in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the rape is grown mainly on the Plateau, from Geneva to Thurgovie. With 15 000 ha cultivated, it is one of the predominant crops in our rotation-culture system. The majority is cultivated as autumn rape, sown at the end of August. In some of our neighboring countries, such as Germany and France, viruses…
Animal production

Gazzarin Ch., Frey H., Petermann R., Höltschi M.

Pasture feeding or cowshed feeding – which is more economical?

In a «System comparison of milk production in Hohenrain » two dairy cattle herds on an identical land area were compared over three years in different production systems. Higher individual livestock yield and intensive cowshed feeding characterised the «cowshed herd» system, while the «pasture herd» was managed with permanent access to pasture and seasonal calving…

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