Archive
722 posts
Challenges in the environmental monitoring of genetically modified plants
According to genetic engineering legislation in Switzerland, the cultivation of genetically modified plants (GMPs) must be accompanied by environmental monitoring. This environmental monitoring is intended to identify any negative effects on the environment as early as possible so that necessary remedial measures can be taken. Accordingly, the authorities must be in a position to recognise…
Long-term effect of organic fertilizers on crop yield and nitrogen fertilization
Consequences of the use of different organic fertilizers (green manure, cereal straw, manure at 35 and 70 t ha-1 every 3 years and cattle slurry at 60 m3 ha-1 every 3 years) and mineral fertilizer (four doses nitrogen) are tested in Changins since 1976. This study analyses the long-term effect (34 years) on crop yield,…
Long-term effect of organic fertilizers on soil properties
Consequences of the use of different organic fertilizers (green manure, cereal straw, manure at 35 and 70 t ha-1 every 3 years and cattle slurry at 60 m3 ha-1 every 3 years) and mineral fertilizer (four doses nitrogen) are tested in Changins since 1976. This study analyses their long-term effect on organic, chemical and biological…
Varieties, seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization on winter barley
In order to take stock of winter barley cultivation and especially the differences between six and two-row genotypes, field trials were implemented between 2005 and 2007 at the locations Changins and Goumoëns. Six and two-row varieties differed in yield level, yield formation and quality factors. Seeding rates between 150 and 300 seeds / m² were…
Reaction of newly registered potato varieties to different nitrogen supplies
In 2008 and 2009, in field trials at the Changins-Nyon (Vaud canton) and Zurich-Reckenholz sites, respectively, the two research stations of Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW and Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART investigated the varietyspecific nitrogen (N) requirement of the potato varieties Gourmandine, Jelly, Laura and Lady Jo (the latter at Changins only). The N levels varied from 0…
Performance and nitrogen efficiency of Swiss wheat varieties of the 20th century
The average wheat yield in Switzerland has increased from 13dt/ha in 1850 to 60dt/ha today. The present study investigates the factor variety in this spectacular yield improvement. Yield, yield components and nitrogen efficiency efficacy of seven Swiss wheat varieties released between 1926 and 2003 and the French variety Caphorn (released in 2001) have been studied…
Factors influencing the nutrient and mineral content of ventilated dry forage
AGRIDEA has assembled the results of its annual forage survey (nutrient, mineral and trace elements content) undertaken between 2005 and 2009. Data of 1077 samples of ventilated dry forage were used in a statistical analysis to detect the various influences of factors such as year, region, altitude and botanical composition on the nutrient and mineral…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil variety trials (2008 – 2010)
From 2008 through 2010, Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW research stations tested three varieties of sainfoin and five varieties of birdsfoot trefoil. The parameters assessed were forage yield, juvenile development, vigour, competitive ability, persistence, resistance to leaf diseases and winter conditions and the ability for cultivation at higher altitudes. For each variety, an…
Liste der empfohlenen Getreidesorten für die Ernte 2012
In der Liste für die Ernte 2012 werden 27 Sorten empfohlen. Darunter befinden sich die sechs neu aufgenommenen Sorten CH Camedo (Top), Suretta (I), Rainer (II), Bockris (Futterweizen) und Cambrena (Biskuit)
Sustainability rating of crop protection strategies in apple production
Future plant protection strategies should be efficacious, economic and environmentally acceptable. TheSustainOS methodology has been developed to assess the sustainability of crop protection strategies in apple orchards. The methodology consists of a system description structure, an assessment step for subcriteria of sustainability and an aggregation of these subcriteria to an overall sustainability. The method has…
Action research: Fruit growers search for solutions
The objective of the Interreg project «Fruit management» is to improve the management competences of fruit growers in the lake Constance region. 90 Swiss and German fruit growers identified their future challenges. By using the action research, fruit growers identified theses challenges and searched for solutions in working groups. These informations will be collected and…
