Research Projects

Project start: 10.07.2024
Project end: 09.07.2030
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

This Model- and Demonstrationprojekt aims at testing and demonstrating practical ways of maintaining or even increasing organic matter in apple orchards. Those practices will be scientifically analysed. A particular focus is on permanent organic matter. This will increase soil health, plant growth and plant health as well as by increasing C-storage in the soil and thereby contgribute to a climate neutral management of apple orchards. The focus is on the one hand side on the phase of uprooting, clearing and planting a new orchard as well as measures taken during the lifetime of an orchard. Growers will be from both, organic production as well as integrated production system to increase the knowledge exchange. The network of active and interested growers will come from the main production areas in the South of Germany (Lake Constance), North (Niederelbe) and West (Niederrhein to Rheinpfalz). It will show possibilities as well as constaints of a wide range of measures increasing soil organic matter. Through the pilot growers other growers will get inersted and Best-Practice-Measures will become established in commercial growing. Geisenheim University has the overall coordination as well as the regional coordination in the Region West.

Project start: 01.05.2023
Project end: 30.04.2029
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

In the HUMAX project, different measures for humus build-up are to be investigated in different combinations. The aim is to identify possible synergies of the measures and to show combined application options. The innovative potential of the HUMAX project lies in the fact that established humus building measures (catch crops, winter greening, undersowing, compost application, etc.) are to be combined and tested with promising measures such as plant charcoal. A unique feature of the HUMAX project is that these measures will be applied in combination with agri-photovoltaic systems and agroforestry systems. The combination with agroforestry systems opens up further potential as a carbon sink, in addition to the humus build-up, as the trees and shrubs store carbon in the above- and below-ground biomass and also bring with them a large substitution potential through the wood products and the material accumulating during the management of the woody plants. This should be precisely quantified in order to be able to make statements not only about the total carbon storage in the soil and the biomass, but also to quantify the substitution effects and biomass potentials for the production of plant carbon through pyrolysis. By combining the various humus-building measures, ways are to be found to maximise humus build-up and thus carbon sequestration, i.e. the function of the soil as a C sink. Based on this, a modular system will be developed that allows farmers to put together the best possible combination of measures for targeted carbon and humus management on their farms.

Project start: 01.03.2024
Project end: 28.02.2029
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Project start: 01.01.2024
Project end: 31.12.2027
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Adapting to climate change with increasing drought is currently one of the greatest challenges for agriculture. With the integration of deep-rooted plants or perennial taproot plants into crop rotations, mixed crops can use resources more efficiently, and greater drought stress tolerance can therefore be expected. At the same time, plant health, climate protection through carbon storage in the soil, and biodiversity should increase. The project “TRIO: Transformative Mixed Crop Systems for One Health", a joint project between Geisenheim University and the Universities of Kassel and Giessen funded within the LOEWE priority program, is testing these hypotheses by cultivation of the medicinal and aromatic plants fennel, caraway, and coriander in intercropping with wheat. At the department of Crop Protection, Geisenheim University the sub-project “Diversity, food webs, and migratory movements of arthropods in mixed cropping systems” is studied. Arthropods provide important ecosystem services that are relevant for plant health and yield. According to the hypothesis of biotic resistance, biological diversity in a cultivation system can reduce the damage caused by pests and increase productivity at the same time. This is investigated in this subproject via a comparative analysis of arthropod diversity and their ecosystem services in intercropping systems compared to the corresponding monocultures. In addition, migratory movements of beneficial arthropods between cropping partners as well as the volatile plant compounds of the partner plants are evaluated with regard to their attractiveness for selected beneficial insects and pests in choice experiments.

Project start: 01.11.2024
Project end: 31.10.2027
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Autonomous field robots have enormous potential for ecologizing crop production and mitigating labor shortage. Although these systems are now ready for market, there are still major challenges, particularly with regard to their interaction with machine management, process control and the interaction between robot and implement. The aim of ISObot is to develop an integrated system for optimizing the operational management of field robots through improved interoperability at different levels, as well as automated process control. The starting point are commercial robot-implement combinations and a web-based machine management system. A process controller is being developed for weed management in viticulture, which uses sensors and intelligent algorithms to monitor and actively control the work process and document the quality of work. Another use case in arable farming will focus on monitoring the hoeing process and recording process parameters. In both cases, the robots will be linked to the machine management system via an IoT system in order to visualize process-relevant information via user-friendly interfaces and make it available for further agronomic use. Finally, approaches are being developed to bring communication between the subsystems involved into an automated, machine-readable form, primarily on the basis of the ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) standard, thus ensuring maximum interoperability at different levels without additional manual effort. Dissemination and transfer activities will be leveraged in the project to establish an exchange with agricultural practice. Eventually, another aim is to derive recommendations for further standardization efforts to improve the interoperability of electronic communication in agricultural machinery.

Project start: 01.09.2023
Project end: 31.08.2027
Sponsor: Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology

Project start: 01.05.2024
Project end: 30.04.2027
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

The diversification of cropping systems supports sustainability, climate resilience and ecosystem services, and will be considered in the context of Precision Agriculture in NSmartSystems. Various methods and open-source tools will be developed to optimally combine diversification and precision fertiliser management, enabling farmers to improve their profitability and reduce negative environmental impact. The specific objectives of the NSmartSystems project are: (1) Development of decision support systems (DSS) for the diversification of cropping systems through crop rotation and the intelligent use of catch crops. (2) Improved decision making for variable rate N fertilisation through user-centered, multi-parametric tools. (3) Optimisation of in-field variable rate N application through improved coordination of the application system and spreade. (4) Develop tools for farmers to analyse and monitor the impact of their management decisions over time.

Project start: 01.04.2024
Project end: 31.03.2027
Sponsor: Forschungsring des Deutschen Weinbaus

The main objective of the project is to understand the positive role of AMF in improving the fitness of Riesling and Pinot Blanc vines under drought conditions. Initially, a pot trial will be conducted to test the efficiency and positive effect of three AMF bioproducts on three vines under low-water conditions and using two different soils from two vineyards in the Rheingau (WP1). Parallel to WP1, the Institute for Grapevine Breeding at Hochschule Geisenheim University will graft the three rootstocks used in WP1 with the Riesling and Pinot Blanc scions (WP2). This will allow us to select from the pool of grafted plants those with the best performing and AMF-compatible rootstocks to be used in the subsequent field (WP3) and greenhouse (WP4) trials. The field trial will be conducted in two different vineyards in the Rheingau, which are characterized by different soil types and topography. WP3 will give us the opportunity to test under real field conditions the compatibility and effectiveness of AMF on Riesling and Pinot Blanc grafted plants in two different vineyard ecosystems. The additional greenhouse experiment (WP4) will be conducted in rhizoboxes to evaluate in detail the AMF compatibility and the positive effect of the AMF inoculum and the type of grafted plants not only on plant fitness and development, but also on various soil/plant properties, such as soil microbiome structure, root exudates, root architecture and edaphic properties.

Project start: 01.06.2023
Project end: 30.11.2026
Sponsor: European Commission, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Oenotrace will provide solutions to the ICT-AGRI-FOOD call for proposals as it includes a data-driven system enabling and promoting transparency for the end-users along the value chain from producer to consumer. Mapping of the value chain will be performed, and in the next step critical points/process steps where information flow (and transparency) can be improved will be identified. This will be examined having wine-growing in the focus and will provide the consumers with a clear and transparent tracing of how the bottle of wine has reached them. Data will be available along the entire value chain starting from machinery working in the field applying various rates of inputs (fuel, pesticides, fertilizers) and climate conditions up to winemaking, bottle filling and transportation. One main target is to trace back with full transparency sustainable cultivation practices.

Project start: 17.10.2022
Project end: 16.10.2026
Sponsor: European Commission

This proposal aims at understanding the physiological behavior of fruit tree crops in response to drought stress, in different environments, and identifying the best tools to monitor plant water status in real time while allowing growers to precisely schedule irrigation through the adoption of new technologies.More than 50 Research Organisations from 26 countries cooperate, to achieve these goals. Activities will focus on 1) identifying the most useful physiological parameters to quantify drought stress using cost-effective and user-friendly sensor tools; 2) comparing and assessing the performance of existing models to quantify plant water needs under drought, for possible implementation in decision support systems (DSSs); 3) defining the most effective (deficit) irrigation strategies for different crops and environments and 4) identifying gaps for improving existing DSSs based on the knowledge generated by the network, while taking actions to facilitate their diffusion among stakeholders and adoption by end-users.

Project start: 01.04.2023
Project end: 30.09.2026
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

German apple production is facing a variety of challenges. In order to meet these demands and to promote all forces involved in apple breeding in Germany, an association of institutional breeders and many of the currently existing private breeding initiatives, the Fachgruppe Obstbau im Bundesausschuss Obst und Gemüse and the Fördergemeinschaft Ökologischer Obstbau e.V. (FOEKO) is aspired, which want to face the challenges together. In this project new sources of powdery mildew and scab resistance are to be identified through phenotypic evaluations and genotyping of genetic resources in apple, Breeding cultivars with pyramidized resistance to both pests also using columnar apple cultivars, which allow increased resilience to drought stress, is seen as a way to address the above challenges. The goal is to develop low-cost and easy-to-implement molecular markers: KASP assays that can be combined and used by all partners independently, depending on their own breeding strategy. The implementation of the analyses can then be contracted to independent providers.

Project start: 15.09.2023
Project end: 14.09.2026
Sponsor: Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V.

In the project UpgoeS, it will be tested whether organo-mineral (OM) substrate residues from hydroponic tomato cultivation can be upcycled and used as alternative fertilizers, for soil improvement and for yield and quality increases for outdoor vegetable cultivation at two geologically and climatically different locations (Berlin and Geisenheim). The organic fraction (wood fiber substrate) originates as residual material in a sawmill, whereas the mineral fraction are nutrient ions that accumulate in the wood fiber substrates during the cultivation period. The incorporation of OM substrate residues into field plots is expected to provide baseline knowledge on the resulting changes in physical soil properties, particularly air and water holding capacity, and reduced nitrogen leaching to groundwater. It is expected that the nitrate retention time will be increased and the water storage capacity will increase at the same time. Thus, both the drought stress tolerance of the soil in the era of climate change might be increased and the conventional fertilizer application and drinking water pollution due to nitrogen inputs should be reduced. This could imply a large savings potential in terms of production-related energy input for fertilizer production and CO2 emissions. In addition, the reuse of OM substrate residues can reduce the amount of growing media requiring disposal, thus improving the circular economy. Thus, biological resources are used that can be upcycled and used in cascades. Guidelines for the processing and proper use of OM substrate residues from hydroponic vegetable cultivation are to be developed with the involvement of decision-makers for outdoor vegetable cultivation, so that the use of raw materials with regard to both types of cultivation is more resource-conserving and sustainable.

Project start: 01.07.2023
Project end: 30.06.2026
Sponsor: Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit

The preservation and planting of urban green, especially trees, play a crucial role in the adaptation of cities to global heating, as they provide natural cooling. Larger trees transpire up to 500 litres of water per day. Shade and evaporative cooling reduce the effect of urban heat islands. However, road salt, soil compaction and pollutants stress urban trees. Heat and drought intensify, so that new plantings often fail to grow and existing trees increasingly die before they reach a size that has an impact on the city's climate. Alternative tree substrates could provide a remedy, and also improve the infiltration of water from heavy rainfall events. One promising approach are biochar macadam substrates (PMS), i.e. defined mixtures of rock gravel, plant charcoal and compost. After compaction, the crushed stone results in a passable but pore-rich structure that creates space and aaeration for root growth and which are capable of absorbing high levels of precipitation. The production of the biochar also locks up biomass carbon over decades to millennia (=carbon sinks, i.e. carbon (dioxide) removal). PMS were developed in Stockholm and are so far only used in Sweden, Austria and Switzerland. The goal of "Black2GoGreen" is to create a network of municipalities, municipal enterprises, associations as well as manufacturers of biochar and biochar (tree, green-roof) substrates to transfer knowledge about already implemented solutions to Germany.

Project start: 01.04.2023
Project end: 31.03.2026
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project start: 01.04.2023
Project end: 31.03.2026
Sponsor: , European Commission

More frequent heat and dry spells as a consequence of climate change are even in fruit growing regions with high natural rainfall like the Lake Constance area (800-1300 mm annually) are becoming more frequent. As a consequence, many fruit growers are investing in irrigation equipment. However, scheduling irrigation using a rough guess leads to overirrigation. Also, applied irrigation amounts are often not documented. The aim of the current Interreg porject is an innovative approach to schedule irrigation in a way to only apply the minimally needed additional water amounts. Objective criteria for a resource saving water management shall be established using digital technologies ready to use for the growers.

Project start: 01.02.2023
Project end: 01.03.2026
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

In Europe, agriculture faces two main challenges: soil water scarcity and the need to reduce nitrogen supply to prevent water pollution by nitrates. These challenges are interconnected as low water availability affects nutrient uptake like nitrate (NO3-) and chloride (Cl-) by crop plants. The presence of NO3- and Cl- in leaves impacts stomatal movements, influencing water usage by crops. This study will focus on two crops, broad bean and barley, to understand their dependence on NO3- and Cl- for stomatal regulation. The project consists of four work packages (WPs). In WP1, the relationship between soil NO3--to-Cl- ratio and stomatal regulation in model plants will be examined. WP2 will analyze how different NO3--to-Cl- ratios affect ion, metabolite, and hormone concentrations in leaf and guard cells. WP3 will investigate the impact of anion composition (NO3-, Cl-) on stomatal movements. It will test whether broad bean and barley guard cells prefer NO3- or Cl- to drive stomatal opening. WP4 will focus on NPF transporters' role in NO3- and Cl- uptake by guard cells and SLAC1-like anion channels' release of these anions. The results will predict the effects of soil drying and reduced NO3--N input on transpiration in dicotyledonous and cereal crops. This mechanistic information can be integrated into breeding programs for crops with better regulatory capabilities for stomatal conductance and water consumption.

Project start: 01.03.2023
Project end: 28.02.2026
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

Project start: 01.01.2024
Project end: 31.12.2025
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

Pakistan's national GHG budget is not based on real measurements but on IPCC factors as there is no infrastructure to measure stable greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4, CO2). Therefore, the actual GHG emissions could be misjudged and awareness of mitigation measures is lacking. A novel technique (MIRA; https://aerissensors.com/) enables the measurement of GHG concentrations with a robust portable analyzer directly in the field with higher precision at lower costs than gas chromatography. The Kammann Group has a MIRA CO2/N2O analyzer. In "AssessGHG-RemoveC", annual GHG Summer Schools are planned in Germany in 2024 and 2025, where 6 and 7 Pakistani scientists respectively will be trained together with 10 young German scientists. The Pakistani participants undertake to pass on what they have learned in a GHG workshop at NUST (multiplier approach); HGU colleagues provide support and bring measuring equipment. The GHG workshop in Pakistan takes place at the same time as a Biochar Academy. The production and use of Biochar is an established CDR (carbon dioxide removal) technology that combines C sinks in soils with many advantages for agriculture in subtropical/tropical climates. The aim is to incentivize rural Biochar production and use through the growing global trade in carbon sinks. A new certification guideline for countries with smallholder farming has created the conditions for C-sink payments to smallholders. To this end, annual Biochar Academies are held at NUST in Pakistan with the support of the International Biochar Initiative and Carbon Standards International. Workshops / academies are designed for networking and are problem-oriented.

Project start: 01.01.2023
Project end: 31.12.2025
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

The aim of the project is to develop and test for the first time an aesthetically pleasing, mobile, PV system for use in vineyards (Viti PV system), which can be set up and dismantled with little effort and which can be used by winegrowers wherever the need for protection and shading is particularly high, as well as in the future for regenerative energy in viticulture itself (digitalization). The design should be transferable to other row crops (fruit growing), which is guaranteed by the expertise of the partner HGU. In this way, the goals of the energy transition and viticulture, namely adaptation to climate change, digitization and reduced pesticide use and increased sustainability, are to be achieved at the same time by identifying and harnessing synergies beyond dual land use. Based on extensive experience in the planning of plants and movable structures for the use of solar energy, a tailor-made system for use in viticulture will be planned, manufactured and tested. The suitability for viticulture and the acceptance by winegrowers and the population in different regions of Germany will be investigated. The exploitation of the results is scientific (viticulture, acceptance, energy yield) and also commercial: The commercial exploitation by the SME is to take place through licensing of the developed system or manufacturing by a partner company and, if marketed, by the SME.

Project start: 01.01.2023
Project end: 31.12.2025
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

Nach ihrer dreijährigen Kooperation bauen nun die Hochschule Geisenheim und die University of West Attica im Rahmen einer erweiterten Partnerschaft mit der University of Piraeus eine größere Allianz im Bereich Wein, Management und Tourismus auf. Die WineManTour Allianz zwischen den drei Hochschulen umfasst zusätzlich mehrere assoziierte Partner wie die Hellenic Mediterranean University, das Deutsche Weininstitut, das Agricultural Economics Research Institute, den Deutschen Weinbauverband, nationale und regionale griechische Weinverbände wie Wines of Greece, das innovative Unternehmen Winetourism.com sowie weitere Akteure und Einrichtungen aus der Wein- und Tourismusbranche. Ziel des Projekts ist eine strategische Vernetzung und langfristige Kooperation zwischen den Mitgliedern der Partnerschaft. Dies wird durch die Förderung gemeinsamer, Industrie-orientierter Forschung sowie die Entwicklung eines internationalen, interdisziplinären und branchenorientierten Masterstudiengangs im Bereich Wein, Management und Tourismus erreicht. Insbesondere der gemeinsame Masterstudiengang sorgt für eine solide Zusammenarbeit in der Lehre und deckt die aktuelle Nachfrage an Aus- und Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten in dem für beide Länder sehr wichtigen Sektor des Weintourismus ab. Das Projekt wird zu einer dynamischen und innovativen Entwicklung von Lehre und Forschung in dem Bereich beitragen und unterstützt die Internationalisierung der drei Hochschuleinrichtungen durch intensive Zusammenarbeit.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2025

Project start: 01.07.2020
Project end: 31.10.2025
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The model and demonstration project (MuD) focuses on priority crop wild relatives (CWR species), which are generally not target species of official nature conservation. Nevertheless, permanent conservation is also required for these species, as part of biological diversity according to § 1 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). For the expansion of a German network of genetic conservation areas, CWR umbrella species and candidate genetic reserves are to be identified nationwide from WEL species hotspots, and genetic reserves for in situ conservation are to be implemented in certain regions on a model basis. In this concept, genetic reserves no longer focuses on individual species, but rather on hotspots of CWR species of different habitat types. Thus, compared to previous projects (wild celery, wild apple, wild grapevine, grassland), which were always based on a narrow species spectrum, a specific species or similar habitat types, the MuD has a considerably broader and fundamentally new approach. Furthermore, recommendations for structural financing are to be developed - the focus of Geisenheim University's work in the project - for example by integrating conservation and management measures into the rural development plans (RDPs) of the federal states, with funding from the Joint Task "Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection" (GAK) and/or the Common European Agricultural Policy (CAP). These are essential, still missing components of an in situ conservation strategy for CWR species. The overall result is a GenEG selection procedure for priority CWR species that is economically efficient and can be integrated into existing nature conservation and agricultural funding activities.

Project start: 01.02.2024
Project end: 30.09.2025

The local authorities of Eltville am Rhein, Kiedrich, Oestrich-Winkel, Schlangenbad, and Walluf are collaboratively formulating an integrated climate adaptation plan. The process is under scientific scrutiny. The project aims to serve as a model for research by demonstrating how inter-communal cooperation in the Upper Rheingau (Rheingau+) can effectively address the anticipated impacts of climate change. Specifically, the project seeks to explore: - Mitigating Climate Change Effects: Given the rural context heavily influenced by viticulture and the region’s susceptibility to heatwaves and droughts due to its favorable climatic conditions, the focus is on countering the predicted consequences of climate change. - Transforming the Cultural Landscape: The three primary landscape types—villages, agricultural areas, and forests—require adaptive transformations to cope with climate change. Identifying the necessary changes is crucial. - Co-creative processes: Successfully designing collaborative processes involving diverse groups and individuals is essential. These processes aim to develop actionable skills collectively and foster a willingness to implement climate adaptation strategies. Special attention is given to the individual roles of municipalities and their cross-border cooperation.

Project start: 01.10.2023
Project end: 30.09.2025
Sponsor: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

Historic cultural landscape elements (HLE) characterize the diversity, uniqueness and beauty of nature and landscape, biodiversity, cultural-historical value and the sustainability of landscape areas. Using a "bottom-up" approach, the project aims to show whether and how cultural landscapes can be differentiated from one another on the basis of the element level. The following objectives are pursued: (1) Development of a nationwide applicable selection method of value-giving, space-constituting element types; (2) Further methodological development of the recording and evaluation of significant historical cultural landscapes using an element-based approach; (3) Analysis of the need for protection, possible instruments for legal protection and opportunities for historic cultural landscape elements in sustainable landscapes; (4) Further development of planning methods for analysis and evaluation; (5) Public relations work. These objectives will be worked on using examples of landscape sections in the three federal states of Brandenburg, Hesse and Thuringia.

Project start: 01.02.2022
Project end: 30.09.2025
Sponsor: Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

The transdisciplinary consortium of science, practice and exchange service addresses practice-oriented questions of organic vegetable productionin 3-year yield experiments. The topics result from preceding workshops with organic vegetable farmers in Hesse. The most urgent topics are studied both at farm level and at the research site of Geisenheim University to derive practical measures to overcome the faced issues. Findings will be disseminated jointly to the practice. Drought has been identified as the most pressing issue for organic vegetable farmers. Particulary in vegetable crop cultivation, drought may cause not only yield reduction but also to total losses due to quality deficits. Extreme heat and drought events may be counteracted by increasing the water storage capacity and infiltration rate of the cultivated soil. Soils that are capable to store more water require less frequent irrigation and can handle larger irrigation quantities, thus reducing evaporative losses. In context of climate change, improved infiltration rate can reduce runoff losses caused by heavy rainfall and ultimately replenishes the soil water storage. Practical measures that support elevating water storage capacity and infiltration rate of farmer's soils can therefore improve soil water uptake and water availability to crops. We aim to achieve this by enriching the soil with organic matter. In our trials, we are testing different composts to improve soil water relations considering farm specific soil and crop management. The agromomic effect of the treatments is used to evaluate the measures. In addition, participating farmers are testing further treatments that combine compost with biochar, fertilizers or ground covers to pursue farm-specific interests for sustainable and climateresilient crop production. In this way, we aim to achieve the overall goal of increasing the resilience of the cropping system and stabilizing yields, so that organically farmed areas can be expanded.

Project start: 03.08.2022
Project end: 01.08.2025
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

The aim of this research project is to investigate the temporal changes in macroinvertebrate communities in the Arctic glacier-fed river Vestari-Jökulsá since 1996 and to identify relevant environmental factors. The effects of climate change on the longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrates in glacier-fed streams have become more prominent in recent years. Water temperature and channel stability in glacier-fed streams are expected to increase with climate-induced glacier melt. A decrease in α-diversity in the initial phase of higher runoff due to the loss of larger glacier masses will eventually be followed by an increase in taxa diversity (α-diversity) and abundance, along with an upward migration of downstream macroinvertebrates. In Iceland, the aquatic macroinvertebrate fauna is very species-poor, and Icelandic glacial rivers have the lowest density and diversity of benthic invertebrates of all Arctic river types, which may make it difficult for aquatic fauna to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions and difficult for macroinvertebrates to migrate upstream. The response of benthic macroinvertebrates in Arctic glacier-fed streams to future environmental changes could be significantly different from that in lower latitude climatic regions. Therefore, there is a need for comparative experimental studies that assess long-term changes in longitudinal patterns in glacier-fed streams in Arctic regions.

Project start: 15.07.2022
Project end: 14.07.2025
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

Private gardens occupy a significant proportion of urban open space, and garden owners make up about 40% of the people in cities. In current social and environmental policy discourses, private gardens are very present, but often with negative connotations (gravel gardens, prohibition of detached houses). For sustainable urban design, however, both these open spaces and the people who use them have a not inconsiderable significance. They strengthen health and life satisfaction and are meeting places for people and habitats for animals and plants. At the same time, private gardens have hardly been researched. The CitiDigiSpace project aims to address the function of private gardens in cities and the role of garden owners, and to improve their contribution to sustainability (ecological, social and economic) with the help support of digital technologies. With a CitiDigiSpace app including the latest LiDAR technology and a citizen science approach, the status quo of the functions and services of private gardens and the role of garden owners will first be described. On this basis, business models will be developed and tested with which the sustainability contribution of gardens can be improved for their owners and the city. On the one hand, the aim is to achieve a more sustainable design of areas in private gardens. The CitiDigiSpace app uses LiDAR to measure the gardens, links them to climate and geodata and makes recommendations based on existing perennial planting and shrub use concepts. Another business idea to be developed - supported by the CitiDigiSpace app - is to improve the social interaction and communication of people in relation to urban gardening. Garden owners are the focus of the project, because their motivation and activation are the decisive levers for implementing more sustainability in private urban space.

Project start: 15.07.2022
Project end: 14.07.2025
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

Potted herbs play a special role among foodstuffs, as they can continue to be productive for consumers through vegetative growth. More than half of the households in Germany buy fresh herbs at least once a year. The goods are packed in pots, bags and trays, most of which are made of plastic. Numerous conflicts of objectives with economics, product quality or logistics have so far prevented a switch to plastic-free packaging. Furthermore, there is hardly any knowledge about how potted herbs are handled in households. What is clear is that the production and use usage conditions differ greatly in terms of environmental factors such as light and temperature or plant care, which affects the shelf life and thus the product benefit. In the ExtraHerb project, the conflicting goals are worked out and holistically evaluated, optimised concepts for potted herb packaging are developed and tested by interdisciplinary research partners (economic and plant cultivation) as well as practical partners (nursery, packaging manufacturer, retail trade). First, in a so-called reconnaissance exloration phase, the handling of potted herbs along the supply chain will be recorded and their use in households documented (e.g. environmental factors, handling of packaging and potted herbs, shelf life, consumer attitudes, etc.). From this, "typical" handling and use usage scenarios are defined. Subsequently, in a development phase, prototypical solutions are designed for these scenarios that make do with less plastic without compromising quality, product attractiveness at the POS, shelf life, etc. In a final testing phase, these solutions are evaluated under standardised conditions (durability tests at the university and sales tests in the supermarket), also accompanied by consumer surveys, a cost analysis and an ecological assessment (CO2 footprint).

Project start: 01.07.2020
Project end: 30.06.2025
Sponsor: Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

The aim of the VitiVoltaic4Future project is to conduct research for viticulture in a newly created real laboratory for the use of agrophotovoltaics (APV). The infrastructure is to serve as an innovation platform beyond the project period; it is to enable research, development and knowledge transfer, as well as to encourage social participation in shaping the energy transition using practical examples. An overarching goal is to make land use more sustainable for special crops (here using viticulture as an example), to open up new ways of adapting the cultivation of special crops to climate change, and at the same time to develop renewable, decentralized power generation plus agricultural production in the field to application maturity iteratively with the stakeholders concerned as part of the energy transition. The concrete goal of VitiVoltaic4Future is to quantify the effects and possibilities of viticulture under Germany's first agro-PV system, to provide data for knowledge transfer, and to scientifically accompany adaptation strategy possibilities that could arise from such solar islands through viticultural research and know-how building. Within the project, measures for biodiversity promotion in viticulture (--> project "AMBITO) will be integrated. In particular, we aim to link "solar islands" with biodiversity islands in viticultural cultural landscapes, in order to holistically promote the sustainability of viticulture.

Project start: 17.03.2025
Project end: 30.04.2025
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

Project start: 01.05.2022
Project end: 30.04.2025
Sponsor: Forschungsring des Deutschen Weinbaus

The aim of the research project is to gain a better understanding of the effect of nitrogen (N) foliar fertilisation in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Riesling) on the pattern (quality and quantity) of root exudates. This will also clarify the extent to which the potentially changing exudation pattern influences the composition of microorganisms in the grapevine rhizosphere, which in turn is relevant for the growth of the vine. The latter is due to the fact that there are growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere that are literally "fed" by root exudates. This causal structure is to be investigated as a function of varying amounts of N applied to the leaves.

Project start: 15.04.2021
Project end: 31.03.2025
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The invasive spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has become a main pest in stone fruit and protected berry fruit production. So far, no effective methods for biocontrol of this pest exist. On the basis of native pupal parasitoids, an innovative strategy for sustainable and biological regulation as an alternative to chemical control options will be developed. This requires the following work packages: (1) An efficient and quality-assuring mass rearing process for production of the pupal parasitoids in sufficient quantities needs to be developed. (2) The best developmental stage of the beneficial insects for release will be characterized. A formulation for their application and quality-maintaining release carriers will be developed. (3) Necessary application schedules will be elaborated. The application will be optimized by means of a model on the basis of biological data and under consideration of abiotic factors such as cultivation practices and weather conditions. (4) The effectiveness of the releases will first be tested in practical trials and, after optimization, on farms. For this purpose, it is also necessary to test the integration of the releases into the overall crop management procedures, in particular with regard to a combination with common plant protection products. Overall, the project will provide a new biocontrol management strategy based on the use of specific antagonists for regulation of spotted wing drosophila in protected berry cultivation.

Project start: 15.01.2022
Project end: 14.03.2025
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

The plant nutrient magnesium (Mg2+) has many functions. For instance, it is relevant for photosynthetic electron transport, for extrusion of protons (H+) by contributing to the activity of the plasma membrane (PM) H+-translocating ATPase, or for sugar partitioning. Under Mg2+-deficiency, mesophyll cells show a reduced operating efficiency of the photosystem (PS) II and accumulate sugars in photosynthetic sources. There is a wealth of information witnessing the relevance of Mg2+ for these processes in the mesophyll tissue. However, current research has not yet achieved to clarify whether the same processes are affected within guard cells (GCs), should these cells contain not enough Mg2+. After all, there is a pressing need to clarify this because evidence is increasing that these Mg2+-dependent processes, i.e. GC-photosynthesis, GC-sugar partitioning, and GC-H+-extrusion are pivotal for regulating stomatal pore size. In GCs at post-dawn, the PM-H+-ATPase energizes stomatal opening upon illumination via hydrolysing ATP for acidifying the apoplast, while GC photosynthesis is a source of this ATP. Disturbed sugar partitioning changes osmotic potential in the GCs with implication on GC swelling. The pressing question is: Is there a link between the amount of Mg2+ in the GCs and light-induced stomatal opening? This research program seeks elucidation if a reduced amount of Mg2+ in GCs of field bean (Vicia faba) obstructs light-induced stomatal opening. As soon as there is not enough Mg2+ in the GCs, it is hypothesized that light-induced stomatal opening is delayed because of a reduced GC PS II operating efficiency (i.e. reduced production of ATP) and a reduced PM-H+-ATPase–mediated extrusion of H+. Moreover, it is anticipated that sugar partitioning is disturbed within GCs that are characterized by a reduced amount of Mg2, which may change GC solute concentration, influencing GC swelling.

Project start: 01.03.2022
Project end: 28.02.2025
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Meeting the 1.5°C and also the 2.0°C target requires not only a rapid reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, but also - in addition - a net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere (so-called Carbon Dioxide Removal, CDR). There are four terrestrial CDR methods that can be rapidly implemented, each of which supports a range of sustainable development goals (such as food security and a clean environment): (1) pyrogenic carbon sequestration (plant carbon), (2) enhanced weathering (EW), (3) soil organic carbon (SOC), and (4) biomass carbon capture (BCC), for example through the use of agroforestry systems. However, in order to maximise carbon sequestration (per area), the synergies of these methods must also be investigated and understood. So far, this has almost exclusively been studied separately - the potential synergies are part of our PyMiCCS project goals. Vegetable charcoal and volcanic rock flour for EW not only sequester carbon in soils, but also balance soil pH and redox potential, provide nutrients, improve soil hydrology and promote soil biodiversity, root growth, crop yields and thus BCC. If theoretically two tonnes of plant charcoal-based fertiliser and one tonne of volcanic rock dust were applied per hectare annually, carbon sinks would be of 5.4 t CO2eq would be created - without any synergies on SOC and BCC. Scaled up to 50% of the world's agricultural land, this would be 13 Gt CO2eq with improved food and feed productivity. feed. In a wide range of iterative experiments and analyses from laboratory from laboratory to field scale, with and without soils and plants, we are generating data to for the parameterisation of global models for C-sink potential analyses and for the evaluation of economic feasibility.

Project start: 28.02.2020
Project end: 27.02.2025
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Project start: 01.01.2024
Project end: 31.12.2024
Sponsor: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau Rheinland-Pfalz

The overarching goal of the research project "Profitability Analysis in Viticulture", which has been in existence since 1994, is the continuous provision of decision-relevant information for the success-oriented management of companies in the wine industry. By analysing and processing the operational data obtained, the participating companies are provided with decision-making support for entrepreneurial action. For economic policy, the project provides information on the development of the economic sustainability of the wineries, their income situation and the structure of the sector.

Project start: 01.01.2022
Project end: 31.12.2024
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The focus of the BMEL/BÖLN founded HortiPrimed project is on abiotic stress pre-treatments as an alternative plant protection method for sustainable horticultural plant production. HortiPrimed will investigate and establish procedures involving abiotic stress pre-treatments as an alternative plant protection method for sustainable horticultural crop production. Dosed stress pre-treatments can result in faster and stronger defence reactions to reoccurring stress and, by this improve stress tolerance ('priming'). Such priming effects involve desirable cross-reactions leading to broader tolerance against abiotic and biotic environmental stresses and pathogens. In an interdisciplinary collaboration, HortiPrimed will develop procedures for controlled priming stimulation of juvenile plants to provide sustainable protection during the later production phase in the greenhouse.

Project start: 01.10.2019
Project end: 31.12.2024
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

In the course of this research project, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system interfaced with a high resolution QTOF coupled ion mobility mass spectrometer has been installed. Main tasks of the new system are the comprehensive characterization of technologically, nutritionally, and regulatorily relevant plant compounds, residues and contaminants in plant materials, foods and beverages as well as by-products of the food and agricultural industry.

Project start: 01.11.2021
Project end: 31.10.2024
Sponsor: European Commission, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The main objective of the ResBerry project is to provide the necessary knowledge and demonstrate the effectiveness of tools to enhance above- and belowground biodiversity in European organic berry orchards in order to increase resilience of berries against major pests and diseases. Accordingly, ResBerry will apply the most recent advances in: a) Implementation of preventive pest control measures through management of habitats for natural enemies in organic berry orchards by including companion plants in the form of flower strips, trap plants and/or cover crops supported with an optimized crop canopy structure; b) Deciphering the soil microbial community in organic berry orchards, how communities are shaped by companion plants, and which measurements can be applied to favour beneficial soil microorganisms as a preventive measurement against soil-borne pathogens and for overall increased resilience; c) Raising awareness among farmers for using direct innovative pest control strategies, such as entomopathogenic nematodes for control of spotted wing drosophila and entomovectoring for control of grey mould; d) Evaluating the implications of the proposed measures on yield and nutritional quality of berries and tackling the consumers’ expectations regarding these measures; e) Disseminating and communicating the results to stakeholders, growers, market organizations, research scientists, academia, technical services and consumers. With a wide geographical coverage in five European countries, the project will focus on strawberries and raspberries but will also consider other small fruits as well.

Project start: 01.01.2023
Project end: 30.06.2024

In various areas branches of horticulture and also in the food industry, efficient cleaning and disinfection of shoe and boot soles, both in the entrance area and between different departments, is considered an important hygiene measure. Hygiene sluices are available for this purpose, among others, which consist of a combination of hand disinfection and shoe sole cleaning. So far, there are very few well-founded study results on the effectiveness of such devices. Therefore, the project will determine whether a commercially available hygiene sluice has sufficient cleaning and disinfection performance and which parameters are responsible for this. In this context, a standardised test procedure for the validation of hygiene sluices will first be developed. Since previously used inoculation methods did not correspond to the usual soiling in horticultural work areas, a standard soiling is being developed that takes these conditions into account and with which specific practical conditions can be simulated by simple variation. This standard soiling will first be tested for its suitability for the contamination of shoe soles. Furthermore, tests will be carried out to optimise the hygiene sluice. The results will be used to develop recommendations as a standard method for manufacturers and users of hygiene sluices, which can contribute significantly to minimising the risk of transmission of relevant microorganisms in the production and processing of vegetables.

Project start: 01.06.2021
Project end: 31.05.2024
Sponsor: German Federal Environmental Foundation

The vineyard as an ecosystem and the grapevine (Vitis vinifera) are excellent models for making the consequences of climate change directly visible in various ways, both in biology classes and considering Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). While climate change makes viticulture economically feasible today in regions where it was considered a curiosity decades ago and is thus perceived as a positive driver of this development, the consequences for viticulture in other regions are to be assessed as negative. In addition to higher temperatures, heavy rain or increasing CO2 concentrations, new pests pose a problem that must be countered. Influences of climate change on the level of the ecosystem and on the level of the grapevine as a model plant can be discussed not only in the cultivation regions of the Rhine-Main area, where viticulture is of high relevance to everyday life. References to biological and agricultural topics are diverse and affect not only ecological and biological aspects but also social and economic components. Modeling and computer simulations of possible changes in the vineyard ecosystem as a consequence of climate change can show appropriate solution options and encourage digital learning. Along with real encounters in the vineyard as a site for out-of-school teaching and learning activities, current research results can also be taken into account. In this way, environmental, sociological and environmental educational research is also complied, which has long called for concrete everyday ecological situations to be examined to contribute to the development of sustainability awareness. The aim is to enable learners to deal critically and reflectively with climate change and its diverse consequences, to make appropriate decisions to act in the interests of sustainable development.

Project start: 01.12.2020
Project end: 31.05.2024
Sponsor: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

Stirred fruit yogurt is the most widely consumed dairy mix product in Germany and contains up to 17% sugar, of which 4-6% is the sugar lactose from milk. Previous research approaches pursued the possibility of reducing sugar by increasing the sweetness of naturally present sugars by using bi-enzymatic processes. As a result, for instance, the sweeter monosaccharides glucose and galactose were formed from the comparably poorly sweet disaccharide lactose and, thus, less sugar had to be added by recipe to achieve the same sweetness. Our new research approach now involves reducing the added sugar (fruit preparation, priority 1) as well as the naturally present lactose (yogurt, priority 2) and fructose (fruit puree, priority 3). The aim of the project is to develop practical, food-technological principles for the production of sufficiently sweet fruit yogurts with high sensory quality and acceptance and a reduced total sugar content from an average of 15 g/100 g to 6-9 g/100 g (corresponding to a reduction of 40-60 %).

Project start: 17.06.2019
Project end: 31.05.2024
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The control of downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the major challenges in viticulture, especially in organic viticulture. Due to the ban of copper-containing pesticides and massive impacts of climate change, organic viticulture is increasingly entering an economic crisis. Therefore, the aim of the proposed joint project "VITIFIT" is to develop a catalogue of measures with practicable strategies for maintaining grapevine health. In this way, cultivation conditions are improved, the production security is consolidated and thus economic viability is guaranteed. Crop protection strategies will mainly be based on copper minimisation (microencapsulated copper salts) and copper substitutes (plant extracts, UVC technology) and their combination. Associated cultivation and cultural measures should reduce the inoculum potential of P. viticola. Molecular biological analyses will address the mycobiome of the vine leaf under these conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the plant protection agent potassium phosphonate. Existing and newly bred fungus tolerant grape varieties (in German: PIWIs) should play a central role in the developed action plans. Aims here are the improvement of the enological wine style, the market acceptance of PIWIs and their introduction into practice. The identification of new resistance loci against P. viticola and their integration into current breeding lines will support the development of novel PIWIs. Another focus of the project is the adaptation of the forecast model "VitiMeteo Rebenperonospora" to PIWIs. In the sector of knowledge and technology transfer, communication, the flow of information and networking between research and practice are to be optimised. The VITIFIT project should make a significant contribution to achieving the "20% goal" (national sustainability goal concerning the percentage of organic agriculture area).

Project start: 01.05.2021
Project end: 30.04.2024
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

The ErdHase collaborative project ensures a better quality of life and safety for peanut and hazelnut allergy patients. It combines clinical, analytical and food production know-how. The aim of this project is to provide analytical tools for the management of food allergens along the food production value chain. Those analytical methods will be linked to the immune repertoire of a patient cohort for food allergen detection.

Project start: 01.04.2022
Project end: 30.03.2024
Sponsor: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

Urban development funding provides important contributions to sustainable urban development. The current conditions for urban development funding also enable the implementation of biodiversity-promoting measures. In order to make these possibilities better known and applicable, there is a need for stronger technical and conceptual support of municipalities. This includes presenting the municipal scope for action and provision of practical information, but also supportive conditions by the federal and state governments. To address these challenges, the project "Recommendations for municipalities on the consideration of biodiversity in urban development funding areas" aims to evaluate the integration of measures for biodiversity in urban development funding areas. Based on this, a handbook for municipalities (i.e., for municipal planning offices and nature conservation authorities) will be created on measures for the protection of biodiversity in urban development funding areas. For this purpose, a collaborative process with various stakeholders will be initiated (learning alliance) to ensure that the handbook is practice-oriented and tailored to the needs of municipalities. Finally, recommendations for the federal and state level will be derived and options for the dissemination of the handout will be identified and used.

Project start: 01.04.2019
Project end: 30.03.2024
Sponsor: Geisenheim University

The aim of the project is to analyze bird diversity in German wine-growing regions and to demonstrate the influence of landscape structures and management systems using the example of Rheingau, Rheinhessen und Mosel. The findings shall help to develop a management system that promotes biodiversity. So far, research has shown that pure wine-growing regions provide a suitable habitat for only a few species. Viticulture is characterized by intensive management systems with frequent disturbing factors such as the use of pesticides, soil preparation and mowing. Greened alleys of land that support very few species only, and the elimination of marginal strips as part of large-scale reparceling processes resulted in low structural diversity. However, certain landscape structures in and around the vineyard as well as an adapted management system can create favorable living conditions and contribute to stall the loss of biodiversity in the agricultural landscape.

Project start: 01.11.2020
Project end: 31.01.2024
Sponsor: Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

A wealth of research, guidance documents, and best practice examples have recently emerged on "urban green infrastructure" (UGI). Nevertheless, municipalities are faced with the challenge of utilizing and implementing UGI in view of the complexity of spatial scales, planning phases, and fields of action. To support municipal planning practice, the “Masterplan Stadtnatur” (BMU 2019) envisions the provision of a "toolbox" with recommendations for action. The development of such a web-based toolbox is the goal of the project "Urban green infrastructure concretized – sample solutions and recommendations for action". The focus is on approaches and methods for mapping and evaluating existing UGI elements and ecosystem services. Furthermore, tools and measures for planning, implementation, and maintenance of UGI are provided. The tools cover a broad range of actions including qualification and connectivity, UGI in new constructions, and combined grey-green elements. In addition, advice is given on possible actor constellations, participation methods, and municipal steering and monitoring processes. The theoretical knowledge will be supplemented with the practical experience from four municipalities and regions. They will be involved to discuss the challenges of implementing urban green infrastructure and knowledge needs for the toolbox.

Project start: 01.05.2023
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: uratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der Landwirtschaft e.V.

The aim of the project is to organise an industry discussion on dual land use for grapevines. To this end, the working group will prepare an overview article in specialist journals in advance. The ATW-HGU industry discussion on the topic of agri-photovoltaics (APV) will take centre stage, offering an open discussion platform on this topic. To this end, it is desirable to use the contacts of the DLG and to provide organisational support for the industry discussion via the KTBL so that the topic can also be transferred to other special crops. The topic of autonomous, electrified cultivation and innovations in this area, especially in combination with Agri-PV power generation, will be addressed in a practical manner in the form of a machine demonstration.

Project start: 01.01.2023
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: Ministerium für Umwelt, Energie, Ernährung und Forsten Rheinland-Pfalz

The overarching goal of the research project "Profitability Analysis in Viticulture", which has been in existence since 1994, is the continuous provision of decision-relevant information for the success-oriented management of companies in the wine industry. By analysing and processing the operational data obtained, the participating companies are provided with decision-making support for entrepreneurial action. For economic policy, the project provides information on the development of the economic sustainability of the wineries, their income situation and the structure of the sector.

Project start: 01.11.2021
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: ,

The unique terrace-shaped landscape along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, characterized by vineyards and orchards, is experiencing a profound transformation due to changes in land use and ecological succession. Against this background, the projects assesses objectives and opportunities for society associated with the development of a mosaic-like and diverse steep slope landscape, determines obstacles and conducive conditions, and starts to reactivate areas for a sustainable use. Existing large-scale objectives and recommendations are broken down to a local level with the aim to provide a vision for a sustainable development of the landscape that takes into account ecological, economic and social objectives and is backed by local communities. At the same time, a follow-up project for large-scale implementation is currently being set up.

Project start: 01.07.2021
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: Alexander v. Humboldt Stiftung

This project is being carried out within the framework of a Georg Forster Fellowship funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The aim of the research project is to apply quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy to the analysis of tropical fruits and products derived thereof. The focus is on fruits of commercial importance for Costa Rica, such as pineapple and papaya. Furthermore, hitherto little-used fruits such as the red-fleshed dragon fruit, guanabana, mangosteen and star fruit are being investigated. In particular, the influence of different processing conditions on nutritionally relevant ingredients is to be analysed, utilizing the oxygen-excluding novel spiral filter press.

Project start: 01.01.2021
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

We have started our work on predator yeasts funded by the EU Innovative Training Network Fungibrain. This resulted in one PhD thesis and two high profile papers (Scientific Reports and PLoS Pathogens) along with several other publications. Predator yeasts belong to the genus Saccharomycopsis. They are necrotrophic mycoparasites that invade and kill fungal prey cells via a penetration peg. We have started to develop molecular genetic tools to investigate the unique and fascinating biology of these yeasts. In this project we will characterize key virulence genes of Saccharomycopsis schoenii and analyze the contribution of these genes for predation and virulence. We will study the process of predation both from the viewpoint of the predator and the prey, for which we use the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae as prey.

Project start: 01.02.2019
Project end: 31.12.2023
Sponsor: European Commission, Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

The main aim of this very applied project is to increase the proportion of regionally produced apples for cider production in the state of Hessia. The regional fruit juice companies are supporting new plantations, especially meadow orchards, and their management with a divers range of measures. However, the delivery of apples for juice prodcution is decreasing constantly. This is in contrast to the consumers wish for more regional products. Currently, only 20% of the total demand by the companies comes from regional meadow orchards. In order to increase this, commercial apple production for fruit juice and cider shall be introduced in Hessia. For this, the project should define the requirements for a commercially successful production of high quality apples for fruit juice production. A map to identify possible production areas in Hessia is to be produced. Aspects of biodiversity and landscape development are to be included. By this new growers should have a good basis for a decision towards developing new plantations. In addition, commercial plantations shall be evaluated against tradtional meadow orchards.

Project start: 01.11.2020
Project end: 31.10.2023
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

Project start: 01.12.2022
Project end: 30.09.2023
Sponsor: Forschungsring des Deutschen Weinbaus

Project start: 01.09.2020
Project end: 31.08.2023
Sponsor: Development agency for agribusiness

“Witality – Wine in Virtual Reality” is a collaborative research project between the scientific community and industry experts. Participating institutions are Hochschule Geisenheim University, Department of Enology, University of Applied Science Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, Institute of Visual Computing, Pieroth Wein AG and DLG Test Service GmbH. The three year reserach project is funded by the Develpment Agency for Agribuiness. The partners are focusing on practice-oriented research on the use of virtual reality (VR) for sensory analysis of wine. The University of Applied Science Bonn-Rhein-Sieg will develop a special VR software to simulate typical locations for wine tastings, such as bars and wine shops. With smart glasses, consumers can immerse in these virtual realities. At the beginning of the project, Hochschule Geisenheim University will determine how olfactory and acoustic stimuli in VR affect the sensory evaluation of wine. To that end, the simulated situations are analyzed in comparison to an evaluation in a standardised evironment like sensory laboratories. In a next step, researchers will examine how the sensory evaluation of samples changes when they are consumed under different conditions (e.g. standard sensory laboratory, wine shop vs wine shop simulated in virtual reality). Pieroth Wein AG and DLG Testservice GmbH will test the usability of the smart glasses and software, too. The aim of the project is to provide a tool that can be used by various stakeholders in the wine industry for many different reserach questions and thus helps to open up new market segments and consumer groups.

Project start: 01.02.2020
Project end: 31.05.2023
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The decision support system GeoSenSys is designed as a GIS-based web application for open field vegetable production to support the user by providing coupled recommendations for site-specific irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The objective of the project is to develop an Artificial Neuronal Network for Irrigation (ANNI) based on spectral reflectance of the model crop spinach and measured soil, plant and environmental parameters of georeferenced fields. Irrigation demand is derived by combining crop water balance with Geisenheim Irrigation Scheduling, plant parameters and spectral vegetation indices. Scientific verification of the modeled water demand is then performed by measuring current evapotranspiration using eddy covariance analyses. To enable the coupling of irrigation and N fertilization decisions, a N-mineralization model is developed and linked to the irrigation model. This results in simple decision making for cultivation management in vegetable production. Through the small-scale assessment of irrigation and N fertilization demand, this project contributes to resource-efficient and sustainable vegetable production.

Project start: 16.03.2020
Project end: 15.05.2023
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The project "Apple4.NULL" aims to improve the sustainability of German apple production through automation and digital technologies. To this end, a network of non-destructive sensors will be set up to use data for targeted model-based control of various processes in apple production and storage. In addition to seasonal weather conditions, the most important factors influencing fruit quality and storage life, during the pre- and post-harvest periods, can be monitored with sensors. Control mechanisms and modelling related to water usage and fruit stress will be developed and the management of the orchard and storage adapted accordingly. In the "Apple4.NULL" orchard, the sprayer will be equipped with a digital assistant to optimise plant protection product usage, to reduce spray drift and access weather data and GIS information with the legal spray boundary requirements. The sprayer will use LiDAR sensor technology to assess the tree canopies. Existing sensors controlling CA storage rooms will be enhanced with intelligent defrosting algorithms for the refrigeration system. In storage changes in fruit quality will be continuously monitored and storage systems controlled via an intuitive software interface that will also enable other partners in the fruit value chain to access information. New technologies developed in the project will be directly implemented in commercial fruit growing practice via a number of industry project partners. Our focus will be on the integration of irrigation management in the decision support system.

Project start: 01.11.2019
Project end: 30.04.2023
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, European Commission

The project involves the acquisition of knowledge-based results on sustainable economic and ecological success of wineries as well as innovatively conveying these results to various groups of interest within the wine industry, such as instructors and universities, associations, consultants and politicians, through an online platform. Based on the unique database of the Geisenheim business analysis, the profitability examination and evaluation are to be fundamentally updated and enhanced, in order to adapt to current industry conditions along with scientific and technological progress. In this context, benchmarks of economic success will be presented for different types of ecological sustainability. The project combines analysing profitability and ecological sustainability of wineries in the form of benchmarks and annotated graphic reports. An innovative economic-index, based on anonymous sales data provided by ERP software, is being developed. An interactive data portal allows various groups of interest user-friendly access to the results. Goals This project pursues three core objectives for the wine industry: 1) Economic sustainability: New knowledge-based graphical and annotated evaluations as a benchmark for wineries in addition to an up-to-date economic-index are being developed. 2) Ecological sustainability: How can ecologically sustainable wineries be more economically successful? To answer this question, indicators of ecological and economical sustainability are combined. 3) The results will be made available to businesses and the industry in general over an online portal.

Project start: 01.04.2020
Project end: 31.03.2023
Sponsor: Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

The aim of the joint project "AKHWA" is to contribute to measure L 19 of the Integrated Climate Protection Plan Hesse 2025. The joint project is concerned with research into the implementation of cultivation measures from the "toolbox" of regenerative agriculture (ReLaWi) on soil fertility and ecosystem services, especially with regard to soil water retention, which is becoming increasingly important against the backdrop of advancing climate change and the recent heatwave summers.

Project start: 07.02.2020
Project end: 31.03.2023
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

Consumer’s demand for ornamentals and the resulting sales and revenue generated by trading associations and direct sales companies strongly depend on external factors such as weather, public holidays and vacations, which poses a problem for many value chains in horticulture. For many companies it is difficult to assess the effects of these factors, resulting in significant uncertainties when it comes to scheduling and ordering products that often have a limited lifespan. Within the scope of the project, the value chains of ornamentals and cut flowers serve as an example to investigate the possibilities of small and medium-sized retail companies in horticulture to use and process internal and external data.

Project start: 01.03.2020
Project end: 28.02.2023
Sponsor: , Geisenheim University

Future viticulture needs to minimise the impacts of agrochemicals on human health and on environment by favouring biological control. Entomopathogenic fungi could be used in an integrated pest and disease control program as they are selective, will not cause emergance of resistance in pest populations and persist in the medium after their application. However, abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity and sunlight affect the efficacy and persistence of entomopathogenic fungi. A deeper understanding of the ecology of these fungi is thus necessary to ensure optimal conditions of their potential use for biological control. The GRAPHYTI project aims to explore the endophytic potential of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizum roberstii on grapevine. We will test if M. robertsii strains could be associated to grapevine roots without harming plant growth while having a pathogenic effect on arthropod pests (more particularly the root-feeding phylloxera and grapevine-moths). This project will build upon a native entompathogenic fungi collection performed from four wine-growing environments (fungi naturally occurring in vineyard soils) with contrasting climatic conditions (temperature and humidity): Germany, southern France, southern Australia and western Argentina. A collection of M. robertsii strains will be molecularly identified and characterised under different temperatures, humidity conditions, CO2 concentrations and for their pathogenic effect on pests. We hope to be able to provide native entomopathogenic fungi strains that could be used to protect grapevine against pests in a sustainable way: being adapted to local climatic conditions and to future global warming.

Project start: 01.01.2020
Project end: 01.01.2023
Sponsor: Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz

The three-year research project “Korn B – sustainable extension of crop rotation using old spring cereals in water sensitive areas and the evaluation of their suitability for baking and brewing.” is funded by the European innovation partnership (EIP). Project partners are reflecting the whole value chain. Farmer, baker, brewer and the chamber of agriculture North-Rhine Westphalia as well as the city of Hamminkeln are conducting research on cereals extracted from genetic libraries. The university of Griesheim’s main focus will be on the evaluation of the cereals suitability for baking and brewing by applying malting and brewing experiments on a small- and pilot-scale, together with baking tests following standardised procedures.

Project start: 01.01.2022
Project end: 31.12.2022
Sponsor: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau Rheinland-Pfalz

Der deutsche Weinsektor unterliegt einem anhaltenden Strukturwandel. Durch die Änderungen des Wettbewerbsumfeldes professionalisieren sich die Betriebe und konzentrieren sich zunehmend ausschließlich auf Weinbau und – Vermarktung, wobei die Betriebsgröße aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen steigt. Dieser Strukturwandel erfordert von den Weingütern fortdauernde Entwicklung und Anpassung, um wirtschaftlich erfolgreich agieren zu können. Übergeordnetes Ziel des seit 1994 bestehenden Forschungsprojektes „Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse im Weinbau“ ist die kontinuierliche Bereitstellung von entscheidungsrelevanten Informationen für die erfolgsorientierte Führung von Unternehmen der Weinbranche. Durch Analyse und Aufbereitung der gewonnenen betrieblichen Daten wird den teilnehmenden Unternehmen eine Entscheidungsunterstützung für unternehmerisches Handeln zur Verfügung gestellt. Für die Wirtschaftspolitik werden durch das Projekt Informationen zur wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung der Weingüter, ihrer Einkommenssituation und zur Branchenstruktur bereitgestellt.

Project start: 01.01.2020
Project end: 31.12.2022
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

After a successful partnership of Geisenheim University (HGU) with the University of Thessaly in Greece (ZuGAbe-Project), HGU would now like to establish a partnership with the University of West Attica (UNIWA) and particularly with the Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences. The cooperation between the two Universities is called Future Challenges in Viticulture, Enology and Wine Business (WOW-project) and is funded by DAAD. The main objective of the project, namely a long-term partnership between the two institutions, will be achieved through common events, such as workshops, conferences, summer schools etc., but also through an exchange program for students and scientists of both universities.

Project start: 01.01.2022
Project end: 30.12.2022
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

Wine is very important in Caucasian countries, both economically and culturally. In recent years, the importance of the wine industry has risen sharply, especially due to the fact that a large part of wine production is exported. In this context, the attractive markets in other European and non-European countries have gained in importance as export destinations in recent years. The high intensity of competition in these markets requires the confident application of economic fundamentals. Building on this, strategies of differentiation are essential in order to stand out from the crowd of competitors. This results in the first thematic focus 'Differentiation'. For the sale of wine in the Caucasus, wine tourism is also playing an increasingly important role. In order to do justice to its importance, this topic is taken up as a second focus both in the lectures and in the excursion destinations. Both focal points are brought together in a practical way in the 'Wine Tourism Project' and are also combined in the discussion rounds. The element of viticulture and oenology in Georgia will be repeated, not only because there was a great demand for this from Geisenheim and Armenian students during the previous summer schools, but also because the traditional 'amphora wines' in Georgia are currently experiencing a renaissance worldwide and have sparked a new trend, also in other wine-growing countries, such as Germany. The Summer School 2022 is planned as an analogue event with digital elements. The entire programme is to take place in person again, but the seminar content and key notes are to be broadcast live and made accessible to (pre-registered) participants worldwide. In this way, the HGU can show its presence at the international level, strengthen its international competitiveness and visibility in difficult times, not only in the Caucasus region but worldwide, and enable professional training from home through the online taster modules.

Project start: 01.05.2019
Project end: 31.10.2022
Sponsor: Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit

The project’s aim is to set up a local and inter-municipal cooperation and to turn it into concerted efforts to adapt to climate change in viticulture using the example of the Rheingau. Within the network, effective and sustainable concepts for climate adaptation in viticulture are being developed and tailored to specific user groups. With regard to the model character of the project, the resulting approaches can be adapted to other agricultural systems such as areas used for fruit and vegetable growing.

Project start: 01.07.2021
Project end: 30.06.2022

Project start: 06.01.2020
Project end: 30.06.2022
Sponsor: German Federation of Industrial Research Associations

The formation of haze in wine and sparkling wine is a major problem of the beverage industry. Due to the climate change and warmer vintages since 1990, the prevalence of haze formation in German wines has increased. Increased protein contents of musts and wines are triggered by drought stress and fungal infections. This causes a higher demand for bentonite as clarification and finishing agent and comes along with losses of wine. Apart from that, quality determining constituents, mainly anthocyanins in red and rosé wines and aroma compounds in white wine may be lost by adsorption to the bentonite. Especially wines from steep slope viticul-ture in Germany are affected by reduced sensory quality caused by high bentonite dosages. Currently, no efficient alternatives to bentonite finishing for removal of haze forming proteins from wine are available. The enzymatic degradation of the protein fraction of wine via commercial peptidases was not successful, which indi-cated unusual stable tertiary structures of wine proteins. The aim of the current research project is to characterize haze forming wine proteins and to develop an efficient enzymatic process to avoid haze formation in wine. The specific degradation of haze causing proteins via novel peptidases (proteases) as alternative to bentonite will be examined. Therefore, a comprehensive screening of peptidases from insects will be performed. Based on successful preliminary studies, research will focus on those insects that feed on grapes (e.g. Drosophila suzukii). A combined method of enzymatic protein degradation with bentonite finishing will be investigated to lower the bentonite consumption. The products of the enzymatic hy-drolysis (peptides and amino acids) will be characterized analytically and their po-tential influence on the sensory properties of wine will be investigated. The stability of peptidase treated musts and wines will be determined in storage trials.

Project start: 01.01.2020
Project end: 30.06.2022
Sponsor: Forschungskreis der Ernährungsindustrie e.V.

A health-conscious diet containing beneficial plant compounds continues to be very popular with consumers. Fruit juices provide health-relevant ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances. In addition to positive nutritional effects, certain bioactive plant substances (polyphenols) from fruits and juice (e.g. cranberry, apple, grape) have also shown caries-protective effects in previous studies (inhibition of caries bacteria, biofilm formation, pH drop, enzyme activity of amylase and glucosyltransferase). However, these effects have not been sufficiently demonstrated by in vivo studies, yet. Particularly human intervention studies are lacking. Since caries is still a widespread disease in all age groups and juice, due to its sugar content, poses a risk for the development of caries, a polyphenol-rich juice with caries-inhibiting effects would strengthen the healthy characteristics of juice. In addition, the results will provide a counterbalance to the sugar debate that is currently weighing on the fruit juice industry. In conventional juice production, the polyphenol concentration in the juice is relatively low because a large proportion of the polyphenols remain in the pomace or low-polyphenol raw materials are used. Production techniques that can be used to increase the natural polyphenol content in the juice and polyphenol-rich raw materials offer the possibility of developing juices with caries-inhibiting properties. Since juices with high polyphenol concentrations can lead to a bitter and astringent taste and usually also correlate with a high acid content, these factors must also be taken into account. The aim of the project is to produce a juice mixture using different polyphenolic fruits with different polyphenol profiles (apple, quince, speierling (Sorbus domestica)), which has both optimal caries inhibiting effects and good sensory properties.

Project start: 01.12.2017
Project end: 31.05.2022
Sponsor: European Commission

This project aims to train the next generation of researchers to provide knowledge and expertise for two major industries in the EU, namely the beer and wine industries. Yeasts belonging to the Saccharomyces stricto sensu group are the workhorses of these industries and an understanding of how yeasts contribute to the complex flavours and aromas of beer and wine is essential for the improvement of existing fermentation technology and for the development new flavoursome beverages. The research objectives of the consortium is to examine the biochemistry and genetics of the production of flavour compounds in yeasts used in wine and beer fermentations, to generate new strains of yeasts with improved or more varied flavour profiles and to develop novel approaches to expanding flavour profiles through co-fermentation of different yeasts. The network will provide a comprehensive education in yeast genetics, synthetic biology, flavour chemistry and fermentation technology for Early Stage Researchers through individual mentored research training in both academic and industrial institutions, through inter- and intra-sectoral exchanges and secondments and through academic workshops. The involvement of industry leaders in the consortium ensures that ESRs will be exposed to real challenges facing fermentation industries and through training in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, ESRs will develop the skills to provide solutions to these challenges. Scientific discourse and communication will be a cornerstone in the training network. ESRs will be encouraged to communicate their ideas with scientific peers and with the public at large to promote an understanding of the role scientific endeavor in the economic development of two of our most important EU industries. The research developed in this project will provide scientific innovation and new and exciting opportunities for the major fermentation industries and for emerging craft beer brewing SMEs.

Project start: 11.11.2019
Project end: 06.05.2022
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The project aims at producing, analyzing and applying novel formulations from stilbenoid-rich extracts of the viticultural by-product grape cane. Scientific goals include the in-depth investigation of biological (e.g., cultivar, vintage, location, weather conditions) and technological (e.g., storage, extraction methods) impacts upon the stilbenoid levels of grape cane extracts as well as the decipherment of further phenolic compounds herein. In order to stabilize these UV-sensetive bioactive substances, a special focus is furthermore laid on the optimization of the extract formulation. In a last step, grape cane extracts are tested on their fungicidal efficacy against downy mildew (causal agent: Plasmopara viticola) in laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.

Project start: 01.03.2020
Project end: 01.03.2022
Sponsor: European Commission, Federal Ministry of Education and Research

OPTIBERRY targets innovative processing and biorefinery/extraction concepts to food prototypes and (non)-food ingredients for sustainable use of berry biomass available, especially the non-premium fruit. The project will result high added value (non)-food applications to process or market the non-premium class fruit of raspberry, strawberry and blackberry (Figure 1). This valorisation will result in a more resilient berry supply chain, creating a secure and long-lasting sustainable relationship between the berry grower and its potential customers. Berries were chosen for their economic importance and local clustered availability. In Europe almost 2 million tons of berries are grown.However, more than 15% of these berries do not enter the fresh market because of quality reasons. Part of these non-premium fruit finds a destination in the industry but are sold at dumping prices. Economically relevant functionalities and bio-activities have been assigned to berry biomass. Most of the berry species are rich in broad set of functional molecules such as polyphenols. This provides multiple opportunities for the envisaged bio-based product development.

Project start: 01.02.2019
Project end: 31.01.2022
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Project start: 01.07.2017
Project end: 31.01.2022
Sponsor: Geisenheim University

Large-scale infrastructure projects cause a significant transformation to the landscape, which is often characterized by conflicts, delays and budget overruns. The aim of the MOVE project is to find ways how to take into account the complexity of these tasks during the planning process. To that end, a problem-solving cycle is to be completed, which systemically analyzes the planning and the planning object in its environment (street and landscape). An exploration shall examine how the success of this transformation can be measured given the high number of stakeholders. A modeling approach to analyze the planning processes and its impact on the road and landscape system will provide indications of potential weaknesses. Subsequently, sub-systems identified as particularly relevant will be simulated using Vester's sensitivity model. The lessons learned will be used as suggestions to help optimize the success of the transformation.

Project start: 01.01.2021
Project end: 31.12.2021
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

Wine is essential good in Caucasian countries, both economically and culturally. In recent years, the importance of the wine industry has risen sharply, primarily since a large part of wine production is exported. In this context, the attractive markets in European and non-European countries have become important export destinations in recent years. The high intensity of competition in these markets requires the secure application of economic principles. Due to the high prices of Caucasian wines, specialized trade, in particular, plays a prominent role as a distribution channel in export. For this reason, the focus of the summer school was expanded to include the topic of "specialized wine trade." Wine tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the wine sales in the Caucasus - referring to the promotion policy of the governments as well as the activities of the GIZ (Gesellschaft für die Internationale Zusammenarbeit) in the Caucasus. Following the importance, ' wine tourism' was taken up both as lectures and excursions.

Project start: 01.01.2021
Project end: 31.12.2021
Sponsor: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau Rheinland-Pfalz

The German wine sector is constantly changing. Shifts in this competitive environment have been pushing wineries to become more professional, prioritize wine-growing and marketing as well as increase their size due to economic pressure. These structural changes have required wineries to continuously adapt and evolve in order to be economically successful. Since 1994, the overarching objective of the research project “Profitability Analysis in Viticulture” has been to constantly provide important and relevant information required for the successful management of wine companies. By analysing and processing aggregated operational data, the companies are offered a supportive tool for making well-informed, entrepreneurial decisions. Additionally, the project provides economic policymakers with insights into the economic developments, income situation and current structure of the wine sector.

Project start: 05.04.2019
Project end: 30.11.2021
Sponsor: Central Innovation Programme for SMEs

The ZIM cooperation project with Prodana GmbH involves the development of a new batch reactor by the start-up company for the carbonization of a farmer's own woody residues or wood chips. The task of the partner HGU is the development and evaluation of plant carbon-based organic fertilizers under examination of their environmental effects and environmental and yield effectiveness. At HGU, tests are therefore carried out with biochar from the novel retort, in which either a more extensive screening of various carbon fertilizer combinations for their nitrate retention capacity and possible N2O emission reduction is carried out in the greenhouse. In addition, selected carbon fertilizer combinations for a possible yield increases and improvement of the environmental balance are tested in the field under natural weather conditions using pseudo-lysimeters. The results of the project partner HGU will be used to improve the batch process of biochar production accordingly and to develop a field data basis that can be made available to potential interested parties and users.

Project start: 01.11.2018
Project end: 31.10.2021
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The project mikroPraep represents a joint network of two research institutes, a biotechnological company and an associated university partner. The overall goal is the development of a marketable plant protection agent based on a strain of the bacterium Lysobacter enzymogenes. Ideally, the product provides broad action against several fungal and bacterial diseases on diverse crop plants. In a first step, antifungal and antibacterial activity will be investigated in the lab as well as in greenhouse trials. Here, efficacy of living bacterial cells and cell- free fermenter cultures will be tested individually. In that way it can be determined to which extent fungicidal and antibacterial effects are based on whole living cells or on bacterial metabolites. Additionally a detailed characterisation of the bacterial metabolites will be carried out, an important step regarding high product efficacy and safety. In subsequent steps different formulations will be produced and tested regarding aspects such as storage stability, applicability and biological activity. These parts of the project will be mainly investigated in field trials on different crops.

Project start: 15.08.2018
Project end: 14.10.2021
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Will mating disruption be an effective method to control the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) in the future or will it be hindered by elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations? L. botrana, the major pest insect in vineyards, is currently well-controlled in Germany, resulting in a massive decrease of applied insecticides. Yet, it is unclear if this success will persist in a changing climate. Male European grapevine moths find females in the vineyard by following the trace of sex pheromones they emit. In order to prevent successful location of females, artificial pheromones are dispensed all over the vineyard, concealing the real traces (mating disruption method) and hence reducing the number of mating events. Elevated CO2 concentrations can affect insect physiology. We therefore study if (1) the composition of female sex pheromones and/or (2) the perception of these pheromones by males as well as their behavior changes under future CO2 concentrations. “KlimaKom” is a joint research project of the Applied Chemical Ecology lab at the Julius Kühn Institute and the Department of Crop Protection at the HGU, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Using the vineyard Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) facility in Geisenheim as well as the wind tunnels and gas chromatography-electroantennography equipment in Dossenheim, we are combining field and laboratory experiments. Additionally, we are studying the impact of elevated atmospheric ozone concentrations.

Project start: 01.10.2018
Project end: 30.09.2021
Sponsor: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food

The SUSCHOICE project has three main objectives: (a) to identify the effects of different factors (macro, structural and individual) influencing consumers' sustainable food choices and; (b) to evaluate the possible strategies for promoting sustainable food consumption based on the different macro and structural conditions and individual life contexts; and (c) to test marketing strategies for promoting sustainable food consumption among young adults across different European countries..

Project start: 01.05.2017
Project end: 30.04.2021
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Strengthening the research in the HGU's profile topics requires the establishment of Bioinformatics / Applied Statistics (BiaS) at the HGU. The BiaS research area is a cross-sectional science addressing the collection, analysis and storage of data as a key discipline across all subject areas. Its goal is to develop methods and tools to translate vast amounts of data into information and knowledge. It thus contributes significantly to the systems analysis of complex biological, technical, biotechnological and crop cultivation systems and their integration.

Project start: 01.03.2018
Project end: 28.02.2021
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

The aim of this project is to assess the effects of abiotic stressors (in particular increased atmospheric CO2 concentration) on the interactions between grapevines and the two grape berry moth species (Lobesia botrana and Eupoecilia ambiguella). For this purpose, experiments will be carried under controlled conditions in greenhouse chambers as well as in the Geisenheim VineyardFACE facility. Parameters of development of both moth species under different CO2 concentrations are recorded, as well as changes in the expression pattern of relevant genes during the larval development on grapevines in the field under elevated and ambient CO2 concentration. For this purpose, investigations of the larval transcriptome will be carried out by RNAseq.

Project start: 01.06.2018
Project end: 31.01.2021
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Project start: 01.01.2020
Project end: 31.12.2020
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

The academic program, comprising 25 well-balanced sessions with varying topics, has been put together by Geisenheim University. The first digital pan caucasian summer schoo "West Meets east" addressed several species, such as world wine markets, strategy, wine marketing, viticulture, and wine-growing in Germany, Armenia, and Georgia. The representatives of the leading wine institutions and industry experts from Germany, Georgia, and Armenia provided profound insights into the current developments in wine export, import, and consumption in these three countries. Furthermore, the uniqueness of Qvevri vinification was an integral session of the digital event.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2020
Sponsor: Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau und andere Formen nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft

The purpose of this project is to examine the entire value chain of organic wines in Germany using qualitative and quantitative research methods. This analysis that investigates all actors of the value chain of organic wine will help to understand why: 1) wineries do apply organic wine making; 2) retailers decide to sell organic wine and; 3) the majority of German consumers do not demand organic wines actively. Based on the results of the aforementioned surveys, a communication tool-kit for wineries, retailers and associations will be developed, in order to build loyalty and to attract new consumers.

Project start: 01.07.2016
Project end: 31.12.2020
Sponsor: PROBAT-Werke von Gimborn Maschinenfabrik GmbH

Analysis and optimization of coffee roasting processes based on computer simulations using OpenFOAM and GmLinux.

Project start: 01.08.2019
Project end: 30.12.2020

In a collaborative project, the universities of Koblenz, Bingen and Geisenheim are developing a framework concept for local climate adaptation in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage. The project identifies climate change in the world heritage area, and describes the current state of knowledge and the developments to be expected from global trends and existing spatial conditions. Furthermore, the project outlines possible prevention measures as well as possibilities to avoid and mitigate negative impacts of climate changes on a local level.

Project start: 01.08.2017
Project end: 30.06.2020
Sponsor: Hessian Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology

Climate change effects may foster the development of new pests of high societal importance in the state of Hessia (Klimaschutzkonzept Hessen 2012). However, in some cases the developmental rate may also be greatly reduced. Own research suggests that the developmental rate of two insect species of high medical and economical relevance, the asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus japonicus) and the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), may be largely reduced or even stopped under conditions of high summer temperature. This may result in a largely reduced damage or risk of infection. However, the effects of a changing climate and temperature regime on population dynamics of the asian bush mosquito and the spotted wing drosophila are largely unknown. In this project we will identify frequency, length and regions in the state of Hessia with a higher or lower risk of a high population build up of these two insect species using phenological modelling in combination with climate change scenario ensembles.The parallel project PEST will deliver data on the effects of daily temperature variations and extreme weather situations on the development of the two insect species to allow an improved phenological modelling approach. The synergy between the two projects will allow a realistic estimate as a basis for the respective governmental agencies in Hessia.

Project start: 01.05.2017
Project end: 30.04.2020
Sponsor: Forschungsring des Deutschen Weinbaus

Project start: 01.03.2016
Project end: 29.02.2020
Sponsor: European Commission

Coordinated by the University of Málaga, GoodBerry is focusing on strawberry, raspberry and black currant as model crop species and will study among others the adaptability of cultivars to different climatic conditions and the impact of these conditions on fruit quality. Global warming influences induction and initiation of flowers and the fulfillment of chilling requirement of the plants. First impairments were already observed in strawberries and currants under German growing conditions in the last decade. By cultivating well established cultivars of the three species with varying adaption to diverse environments at different locations within Europe the project design simulates the influence of climate change on berry cultivation. GoodBerry will build on novel molecular tools to apply cutting-edge genomic and metabolomics based approaches to deliver holistic solutions addressing the challenges of increasing productivity efficiency, crop resilience and food quality in the light of climate changes.

Project start: 01.02.2015
Project end: 31.01.2020
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Growing resistant cultivars with the novel cultivation method of the minimal pruning of trellis trained grapevines (SMPH) enables to combine (1) environmental friendly and (2) economically beneficial as well as (3) climate change adapted grapevine production. To analyze new resistant grapevine cultivars in such an advanced production system, we evaluate the behavior of plants, crop, biodiversity, and resulting wines in comparison to the most common vertical shoot positioning system (VSP). We intend to unravel the cause of ripening delay upon viticultural treatments, and to develop the technological basis for a broad introduction of the new cultivation system into viticultural practice. Our comprehensive investigation will empirically and functionally address field studies where new cultivars are raised in a new cultivation concept.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2019
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

This project investigates the application of nutrient-loaded biochar in less fertile agricultural soils of Pakistan with additional mechanistic investigations carried out in Germany. A set of field (Pakistan) and laboratory experiments (Germany) will be conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar on nutrient use efficiency and GHG emission per unit of agronomic yield production or per unit of agricultural land use. The field experiments will be conducted at University of Agriculture Multan (MNSUAM), Pakistan. All GHG samples collected from the Pakistan field study will be analysed at Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU), Germany where the necessary gas chromatographic methods are established. The PI in Pakistan (Dr. Haider and his PhD and later master student) will visit Germany in 2018 and 2019 to learn GHG data analysis with the gas chromatograph (GC) and subsequent calculations and protocols using R protocols. They will also conduct controlled experiments (2nd year) using e.g. Pakistan soil or Pakistan vegetable species.

Recently, the combination of conservation farming methods with using biochar as a carrier for organic and mineral fertilizers applied to the root zone produced promising results. In this project we seek to test these novel approaches for improving yields while at the same time reducing the GHG emissions associated with agricultural production. Pakistan is the 6th largest population on the planet and there are rarely studies or data available on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the present project will investigate novel C-sequestering fertilization strategies, but also be the founding study in Pakistan to obtain first estimates of GHG emissions per unit of crop production or per unit of agricultural land, under specific cropping systems and fertilizer regimes.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2019
Sponsor: uratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der Landwirtschaft e.V.

Determining on a scientific basis why specific food and wine combinations are prefered by consumers and others not by using the food pairing and food completing theory.

Project start: 01.11.2016
Project end: 31.10.2019
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The aim of the planned project is to accomplish an early and reliable selection of growth types of the columnar apple, that are best suited for commercial growing systems, on very young plants from crossings. To achieve this, a combination of a few molecular markers will be identified. In combination with other already known markers such as the one for the typical apple aroma (Rowan et al., 2009; Souleyre et al., 2014) an early selection system for the combination of valuable traits including the growth habit of the future trees will be established. To further develop the early selection system, a fast breeding approach will be adopted to allow for a very efficient development of new varieties for the growers. This will allow for a fast introduction of an effective and economically sound production system for a regional production of cider apples for the fruit juice industry. The very effective production system will allow for a production where both, grower and juice industry, work on an economically feasible basis providing income opportunities for both sides.

Project start: 01.12.2018
Project end: 30.09.2019
Sponsor: Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin

The core objective of this study is to provide the wine industry with a practical understanding of the importance consumers place on nutrition and ingredient labelling for wine in relation to other choice factors (e.g. country, region, price, etc.) Specifically, the study aims to examine how consumers might react when being confronted with nutrition and ingredient labelling for wine, how it might influence consumer demand for wine, and how wine consumers and the wine industry might be affected by positive or negative media coverage of wine ingredients.

Project start: 01.09.2017
Project end: 30.06.2019

Project start: 10.07.2017
Project end: 31.03.2019
Sponsor: Development agency for agribusiness

Phytoplasmas (Candidatus Phytoplasma) are cell wall-less plant-pathogenic bacteria which can colonize the phloem of more than 700 plant species including many economically important crops. They cause a wide range of symptoms that vary depending on the phytoplasma strain, their host plant, and environmental factors, and usually include yellowing of leaves, proliferation of shoots and stunting. In grapevine (Vitis vinifera) phytoplasmas cause diseases referred to as grapevine yellows. In other fruit trees like apple (Malus domestica) they cause apple proliferation and in pear (Pyrus) they lead to pear decline. Phytoplasmas are spread by phloem-feeding insect vectors, grafting, or vegetative propagation of infected plants. Control strategies for phytoplasmas currently rely only on preventing their spread, as there are no effective chemical plant protection products against phytoplasmas. In addition, phytoplasma diseases have long incubation periods of up to several months before symptoms can be observed. Therefore, this project aims to develop a fast and reliable molecular detection method for phytoplasmas based on LAMP and TaqMan assays, respectively, to be used in the production of vegetatively propagated crops like grapevine, apple, or pear.

Project start: 01.04.2017
Project end: 31.03.2019
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research

BioCAP-CCS quantifies the global potentials and effects of large-scale land use with biomass plantations used to limit global warming to 1.5° by negative emissions for mitigation and compensation of temporary overshooting emissions. The project quantifies for the first time the global potential of biochar-CCS while considering concurrences for land, water, food security and protection of ecosystem integrity.

Project start: 01.04.2016
Project end: 31.03.2019
Sponsor: European Commission, Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

Yellow Wilting has been a problem in cultivation of corn salad for many years. Many abiotic and biotic factors have been excluded as causes. Yet, respective organisms and control measures are not identified. The project within the framework of EIP Agri aims at identifying the cause of Yellow Wilting with the help of metagenomic and metabolomic analyses and developing effective control strategies. Initial results show that solarization as soil disinfestation is efficient in inhibiting Yellow Wilting.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: German Academic Exchange Service

In September 2018, a summer school on "Wine Business" was conducted in Tbilisi (Georgia) by Geisenheim University in cooperation with the Agricultural University of Georgia (AGRUNI) and Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU). The five-day program focused on developments on world wine markets and economics, business strategies, wine marketing and market research, and verticalization and cooperation. Additionally, the summer school included the topics viticulture and winemaking as well as the sensory evaluation of German wines. This session aimed to present Western consumers' sensory and qualitative requirements to the students and at the same time to arouse interest in Germany as a wine country.

Project start: 01.01.2018
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr, Landwirtschaft und Weinbau Rheinland-Pfalz

The German wine sector is subject to ongoing structural change. As a result of the changes in the competitive environment, companies are becoming more professional and are increasingly concentrating exclusively on wine-growing and marketing, with the size of farms increasing for economic reasons. This structural change requires the wineries to continue to develop and adapt in order to be economically successful.

Project start: 15.03.2017
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: Deutscher We

The aim of this project is to carry out a cross-regional study in order to obtain up-to-date data on tourism in Germany by using qualitative and quantitative methods, in which both tourists and producers in all 13 German growing regions are interviewed.

Project start: 01.09.2016
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Nuts can cause severe allergic reactions. To protect allergy sufferers, they must be labelled on food packaging. Antibody-based tests are the most commonly used analytical methods to detect nuts in food. They are mainly used by the food industry and commercial or public laboratories. Nuts are often difficult to detect in processed foods that have been baked or roasted, for example. The aim of this project is to improve the detection of nuts in food, especially hazelnut and almond. This will lead to increased safety for allergy sufferers when consuming these foods. The partners involved, R-Biopharm, Geisenheim University of Applied Sciences and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein, bring extensive experience in allergen analytics and food processing to bring an improved method for detecting nuts to the market.

Project start: 01.01.2016
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Within the project GSEHEN, the Department for Vegetable Crops of the Geisenheim University develops a practically applicable FOSS implementation of an irrigation decision support system based on the Geisenheim Irrigation Scheduling (GS). The major goals of this project are the theoretical quality assurance of GS parameters, and the formulation of prerequisites for a practically and scientifically sound implementation of GS in the software. The theoretical proof of GS parameters is lead via experiments using the eddy covariance technique. With this meteorological method possible differences between estimated and actually measured evapotranspiration of plant canopy in open field can be assessed. For a sound software implementation of GS, the main tasks are the aggregation and publication of GS parameters in the form of an openly available online database as well as the documentation and implementation of the algorithms and parameters needed for software based realization of GS. The software and documentations will be publicized under an open source license. This is to guide and promote high-quality implementations of GS in any kind of software which match the general scientific claim. With this, the project GSEHEN secures the practical application and scientific foundation of GS for future operation.

Project start: 01.05.2014
Project end: 31.12.2018
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

African indigenous leafy vegetables (ALV) play a significant role in food security in Africa. They are mainly produced by small -scale farmers and are marketed or traded locally, regionally or even internationally. Currently, the magnitude of postharvest losses of AVLs in Kenya can reach up to 50%, depending on the product. These losses are attributed to various factors including; inadequate application of plant nutrients and water supply during production, rapid physiological deterioration and microbiological decay of products during transport, storage and marketing. Inadequate harvest techniques and facilities for storage and transport, insufficient processing and preservation methods, insufficient hygiene conditions in the markets as well as poor infrastructure aggravate the problems, causing massive losses along “the field to consumer” chain. The overall aim of this project is physiological and molecular investigation of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) for quality assurance and loss reduction in post-harvest management. Pre-harvest endogenous Carbohydrates in some plants like Pelargonium spp and Portulaca grandiflora and have been reported to play a role in post-harvest storability by decreasing ethylene sensitivity hence reducing leaf senescence (Rapaka et al., 2007; Rapaka et al., 2006).The carbohydrates serve as basic source of energy and initial substrate for the microbes involved in fermentation. Fermentation is one of the preservation methods in which the nutrients are preserved, and therefore vegetables can be used for a longer time. The study specific aims incudes;- determining carbohydrates at different development stages, different irrigation regimes and Soil nutrients, different harvesting method and daytime, to study changes during storage and correlation of different levels to ethylene production, storability duration, and fermentation rates.

Project start: 01.01.2015
Project end: 31.10.2018
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Education and Research, European Commission

A key role for a resource-saving, sustainable land use management of agricultural ecosystems are the interactions between biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. The PromESSinG project aims to identify management options for promoting biodiversity in order to reduce external inputs in vineyards ecosystems. It will be conducted from 2015 to 2018 in five countries of Central Europe : Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Romania. The project intends to unravel biodiversity driven processes associated with the main ecosystem services in viticultural systems taking different management factors into account. A particular focus will be on the analysis of interactions between soil management strategies and soil biodiversity, as interactions between the diverse soil biota as well as chemical and physical properties of the soil environment are fundamental for the provision of soil-based ecosystem services. The intended research will be conducted in temperate vineyard systems in France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Romania, thus covering a gradient from maritime to continental climates. In a common study with all countries involved and using a standardized sampling design we will analyze the links between disturbance gradients and diversity of soil relevant species groups (soil microflora including mycorrhiza, macrofauna, plants), soil function and related supporting, regulating and provisioning ESS. Management effects on these interactions are analyzed on two different scales by combining: a) the factor soil management (local scale) including three vineyard ground management treatments of different disturbance intensities, b) the factor landscape management (landscape scale) consisting of three different landscape heterogeneity levels.

Project start: 01.03.2015
Project end: 28.02.2018
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura is an invasive and highly polyphagous insect, being able to infest a variety of important crops, including cherries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes. In contrast to native European Drosophila species female flies lay their eggs in undamaged fruits, where larvae develop on fruit flesh, causing fruits to rot within a few days, thus making them unmarketable. Accordingly, yield losses of up to 100% and thus severe economic losses have been recorded. Accordingly, the development of new management strategies is required which allow a sustainable control of this insect during the cultivation of grapevine and soft fruit. The major aim of this project is therefore the development of an efficient and selective trap and/or attractant. This attractant, in conjunction with e.g. biological insecticides, can be utilized in bait traps or oviposition medium which previously has been treated with an insecticide to combat the spotted wing drosophila before the ripening of soft fruits or grapes.

Project start: 01.01.2016
Project end: 31.12.2017
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

The influence of CO2 concentration and nitrogen form on two varieties of rucola (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is investigated in climatic chambers. Plant physiological parameters, yield and valuable compounds are analyzed.

Project start: 01.06.2015
Project end: 31.12.2017
Sponsor: Hessisches Ministerium für Landwirtschaft und Umwelt, Weinbau, Forsten, Jagd und Heimat

Project start: 01.01.2014
Project end: 31.12.2017
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

Within the FACE2FACE experiment the effects of climate change on agricultural ecosystems such as grassland and specialized crops are investigated. For the cultivation of specialized crops, particular emphasis is placed on plant physiology as well as ingredient composition of harvested material. In the subproject “AP 3.1 Ingredients & product quality – vegetables” the effects of elevated CO2 in interaction with reduced water supply on ingredient composition of spinach, radish and cucumber are investigated.

Project start: 01.01.2014
Project end: 31.12.2016
Sponsor: Hessen State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts

As little is known about the effect of eCO2 on grapevine-pest interactions, we studied the effects of eCO2 on interactions between grapevine and two of its economically most significant pests – downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana). Experiments conducted investigate parameters of the biology of P. viticola (e.g. duration of incubation period, vitality of zoospores, germination of soilborne oospores) as well as the developmental biology of L. botrana (e.g. hatching rate, duration of development stages, pupal weight, longevity and survival rate, fertility of females). Microscopic studies of pest-relevant morphological characteristics of grapevines (e.g. thickness of berry skin, stomatal density and stomatal aperture) are supposed to provide explanations for possible changes in pest infestation levels under eCO2. Furthermore, expression levels of relevant defense genes in grapevines were investigated to record possible changes in defense reactions of the host plant towards the respective pest organism. The data obtained will contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms in plant-pest interactions under altered environmental conditions.

Project start: 01.03.2013
Project end: 31.12.2016
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Rubus stunt is considered the most important phytoplasmosis on raspberries and can cause yield losses of up to 100%. With the diagnostic methods available so far, latently infected but also symptomatic plants are not detected properly. In addition, potential vectors and possible transmission routes are unknown. The aim of the project is to develop a highly sensitive and rapid molecular on-site test system for the early diagnosis of this phytoplasmosis. In addition, findings on the species spectrum of potential vectors and further transmission routes are to be obtained, which will serve as a basis for the development of targeted and timely control measures. The development of a molecular method for the diagnosis of Rubus stunt will follow the establishment of an on-site sampling protocol based on TaqMan probes, LAMP assays and label-free detection. Investigations on the species spectrum and phenology of potential vectors, further transmission routes, the susceptibility of raspberry cultivars as well as on targeted control measures are to be carried out in a raspberry propagation farm or in yielding plants. Based on this, management strategies for the propagation and cultivation of raspberries will be developed. Finally, the methods developed for molecular phytoplasma diagnostics are to be validated under field conditions and transferred to other crops for the detection of phytoplasmas.

Project start: 01.01.2013
Project end: 31.12.2016
Sponsor: European Commission

InnoVine is a European collaborative project funded through the Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) program, launched in January 2013.  During 4 years, it will involve 27 different partners from 7 European countries (Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain).

Project start: 01.01.2012
Project end: 31.12.2016
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Improved methods of irrigation and irrigation scheduling in open-field vegetable production may help to ensure the efficient use of water, energy and labour, high product qualities and quantities. Twelve vegetable farms in two German growing regions with high irrigation demand were intensively advised to improve the efficiency of irrigation and its demand for energy. Regional workshops for interested farmers multiple and publish the experiences of the farmers involved in the pilot project.

Project start: 01.03.2012
Project end: 31.12.2015
Sponsor: German Federal Environmental Foundation

Fungal entomopathogens are important antagonists of arthropod pests and have attracted increased attention as biocontrol agents in pest management programs. Some entomopathogenic fungi can endophytically colonize an array of plant species, providing systemic protection against damage by various insect pests or triggering induced systemic resistance mechanisms against plant pathogens. In the present study, greenhouse experiments were conducted to verify endophytic establishment of Beauveria bassiana in grapevine plants Vitis vinifera. Therefore, two commercialized B. bassiana strains (ATCC 74040 and GHA) were applied on potted grapevine plants. The antagonistic activity of endophytic B. bassiana against putative target pest insects like the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus was assessed using surface sterilized leaves for a bioassay. Possible effects of endophytic B. bassiana on the feeding preference of black vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus choosing between control and inoculated plants were examined through choice assays. Furthermore, the protective potential against grapevine downy mildew Plasmopara viticola was investigated in greenhouse experiments. Endophytic survival of B. bassiana inside leaf tissues was evident at least 28 days after inoculation. A significant effect of endophytic B. bassiana on growth and on mortality of P. ficus one week after the initial settlement of the vine mealybugs was evident. Adult O. sulcatus chose significantly more often control plants as a host plant compared to grapevine plants with endophytic B. bassiana. A significant effect on the disease severity of downy mildew on potted grapevine leaves could be observed if plants were treated with B. bassiana 3 and 7 days before an inoculation with P. viticola. Endophytic establishment of B. bassiana in grapevine plants therefore represents an alternative and sustainable plant protection strategy, with the potential of reducing pesticide applications in viticulture.

Project start: 01.01.2012
Project end: 31.12.2015
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

In the context of the project “GS-Mobil”, promoted by the German Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), the Geisenheim Institute of vegetable crops develops, in cooperation with the German Weather Service (DWD) and Helm-Software, an updated version of the Geisenheim Irrigation Scheduling for vegetable crops. Currently the Geisenheim Irrigation Scheduling is balancing plant and soil water use, irrigation and rain fall, to recommend irrigation events. Therefore the user needs to continuously put culture specific data in this system. GS-Mobil aims to minimize the need of user supplied input, hence, to model the water needs of the plants in context of their growth and development depending on the weather conditions. This model is going to be the heart of a mobile app programmed by helm-software, which is supplied with weather data from the German Weather Service. The app will provide reliable irrigation recommendations to vegetable producers all over Germany. With this project the vegetable irrigation will become more user friendly, resource efficient and over all: mobile.

Project start: 01.01.2011
Project end: 31.12.2015
Sponsor: Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen

"Yellow Wilting" is a severe problem in the production of corn salad (Valerianella locusta). The symptoms are yellow, chlorotic and limp leaves. Affected plants are not marketable any more. Previous experiments have pointed to the fact that plant pathogens might be involved. The microbiocoenosis in soils with symptomatic and asymptomatic plants shall be investigated, using experiments in green house and climate chambers.

Project start: 07.08.2012
Project end: 06.08.2015
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

Salinity stress causes architectural alterations and physiological disturbances on plants, with tremendous implications for light interception and crop productivity. The purpose of this project was to develop an integrated understanding of salinity-induced architectural alterations and physiological disturbances significant for the cucumber productivity and to study the interactions between salinity and light.

Project start: 01.01.2011
Project end: 31.01.2015
Sponsor: Hessian Centre on Climate Change

The future climate impact on climatic water balance and dynamics of plant nutrients are evaluated for the vegetable production in the region "Hessisches Ried" in Hesse, Germany. Regional climate models WETTREG, REMO and CCLM, driven by global climate models ECHAM5 and HadCM3 under scenario A1B, are assessed to evaluate potential ranges of changes in climatic water balance. The impact of climate change on nitrate leaching is investigated via experiments in lysimeters.

Project start: 01.12.2008
Project end: 31.01.2015
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

Project start: 31.01.2012
Project end: 31.12.2014
Sponsor: German Research Foundation

Project start: 01.05.2011
Project end: 31.10.2014
Sponsor: European Commission

Beside the traditional cultivation of raspberry in open field, they are now increasingly grown under rain protection or in high tunnels to extend the cropping period. The main used plastics are standard polyethylene foils to cover rainshelters and tunnels. However, different materials are available nowadays which vary in their transparency for UV radiation or have shading properties. Raspberry leaves and berries are rich in in vitamin C and polyphenols. They are synthesized at biotic or abiotic stress and their antioxidant action protect the plants against oxidative stress by free radicals. Moreover, these bioactive compounds play a crucial role in the prevention of a wide range of human diseases. The use of high tunnels alters the growing conditions for raspberries by changes of the microenvironment, mainly temperature. Photosynthesis is one of the most temperature-sensitive factors controlling plant growth. Beside photosynthesis, heat stress is negatively associated with a lot of physiological activities. However, less is known about changes of photosynthesis, carbohydrate synthesis and accumulation of nutritional ingredients in raspberry fruits grown under plastic tunnels. Therefore, the impact of different environments (light intensity and – quality, temperature and rel. humidity) on photosynthesis of raspberry plants and their carbohydrate and polyphenol compounds will be studied in a comparative trial between cultivating them in open field or in high tunnel with shading or different UV transparency properties.

Project start: 15.10.2010
Project end: 14.05.2014
Sponsor: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Of the possibilities investigated for alcohol reduction by microbiological and biochemical means, positive results were found for the use of enzymes (glucose oxidase), the use of non-sSaccharomyces yeasts and the dosed addition of must sugar to a yeast suspension. In the case of enzyme utilisation using GOX as well as "non-sSaccharomyces", the application is relatively easy and entails a low to medium financial input. The use of current genetically modified yeast strains did not produce satisfactory results. Legal regulations are necessary for all the processes examined.

According to Directive 1107/2009 of the EU our department is officially recognized as a facility for efficacy testing of plant protection products. We are thus holding a GEP (good experimental practice) Recognition Certificate, authorized from the German Plant Protection Service. Over the years, we have gained huge experience in conducting field trials in particular in viticulture, testing various aspects of integrated and biological control of grapevine pests and diseases. In field and greenhouse trials, we are testing plant protection products and/or agents for their efficacy, selectivity and (un)desired side effects, focusing on the best application date and interval, screening for the optimal concentration of active ingredients, taking fungicide resistance aspects into consideration and optimizing newly developed biological control agents (e.g. application coat, uptake by fungal cells, rain stability).