Projects of the Horticulture Research Group
Long-term protection of the Fragaria and Rubus gene pool
Be it Lambada, White Pineapple, Wädenswil 6, Evergreen Blackberry or Red Raspberry from Zurich - the variety of colours, shapes and flavours of strawberry (Fragaria) and raspberry / blackberry (Rubus) is enormous. The long-term protection and maintenance of this gene pool is essential for future breeding as well as from a socio-cultural perspective.
The aim of the project is to establish both a primary collection of virus-free potted plants in an insect-proof greenhouse and a duplicate backup collection in the form of meristems, which will be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen at -196°C..
Client: Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)
Duration: 2019 - 2026
Further Information: Julia Lietha
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Implementation of aquaponic technology in Kunming, China: Construction of prototype for cultivation of fish and vegetables
This project proposes to introduce the Aquaponic technology (AP) to China’s urban population. The objective is to devise AP systems suitable for efficient food production on smallest surfaces, which will be implemented in urban areas. Two solutions should be developed: (i) a prototype greenhouse…
completed, 06/2018 - 05/2019
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Extension of the study on life cycle assessments for alternative substrates to peat
The aim of the research study is to extend the study by Eymann et al. (2015) of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) by selected substrate components and substrate mixtures which, based on defined criteria, have a high potential as peat substitutes. Analogous to the 2015 study, the…
completed, 09/2018 - 08/2020
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Development of a kit for the detection of leaf spot in turf grass
The objective is to develop a real-time pathogen detection kit for a range of turf grass leaf spot diseases. This kit will feature a straightforward process for DNA extraction and amplification through loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). It will enable semi-quantitative assessment of…
ongoing, 04/2024 - 12/2025
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Development of a biofungicide based on actinobacteria strains isolated from extreme Moroccan ecosystems to protect and improve tomato…
Tomato is a vegetable crop grown in many countries, and its production is constantly increasing. Unfortunately, production can be limited by both abiotic and biotic factors. Fungal pathogens are one of the major factors that reduce crop yield. Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes…
ongoing, 12/2024 - 12/2027
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Life cycle assessment of Swiss wine from conventional and organic farming
The consumption of food and beverages causes more than a quarter of an average person’s environmental impact in Switzerland. Apart from meat, fish and dairy products, beverage and semiluxury food – especially spirits and coffee – contribute to a significant share. Over the entire life cycle of wine…
completed, 12/2014 - 04/2016
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Local food for the future (LOFT)
The project aims to improve vertical farming production and operational efficiency by combining innovative production know-how and technologies with enhanced sustainability. The approach will establish the feasibility and profitability of sustainable, year-round production of high-quality crops.
completed, 02/2022 - 01/2025
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Joint project "peat exit"
The start-up project will be used to finance various preliminary work in the field of R&D, which is a prerequisite for the launch of a joint project at national and international level. At a conference at the ZHAW in autumn 2019, the ZHAW was already mentioned as a "peat-free competence…
completed, 01/2021 - 12/2021
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Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for real-time pathogen screening in soil
The aim of this project is to develop a real-time pathogen screening system for important soil pathogens using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology. The process will involve the isolation and amplification of DNA from plant, seed or soil samples. A key challenge will be to…
ongoing, 11/2024 - 12/2026
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Multispectral imaging: key to early leaf disease detection
completed, 06/2017 - 02/2018
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Effect of ladle slag from steel recycling on soil fertility and plant growth
Long-term field experiment on the effect of ladle slag on soil fertility and plant growth
completed, 01/2015 - 12/2018
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Reduction of pesticides input in horticulture
This study examines the effects of "pesticide-free" cultivation methods of vegetables in comparison to IP production or cultivation according to BioSuisse guidelines by determining the effective production costs. In the ornamental part, the study compares the production costs of selected…
completed, 12/2018 - 11/2020
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Container for manure composting: Compost container with biofilter and heat utilisation
ongoing, 07/2024 - 09/2027
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Detection of Bois noir phytoplasma in the vectoring ciciid Hyalethes obsoletus.
Bois noir is a yellow disease of grapevines (Vitis vinifera) caused by phytoplasmas belonging to the class 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani'. These phytoplasmas live mostly on bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). By accident they are transmitted by the ciciid…
completed, 01/2013 - 12/2017
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Occurence of grape phylloxera (Dactulosphaira vitifoliae) in Switzerland
Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Fitch) was a major pest in European grape production until the consequent use of resistant rootstocks. Today phylloxera is found mostly on derelict vineyards and interspecific hybrids used mainly in organic grapewine production. This project aims to map…
completed, 07/2013 - 12/2017
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Vegan Agriculture
completed, 02/2019 - 02/2020
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Expression of Vitis vinifera genes during downy mildew infection
Plasmopara viticola, an oomycete causing downy mildew of grapevines (Vitis vinifera), is one of the major pathogenes in grape production in many grape growing regions world wide. We are interested in genes of V. vinifera expressed during the first 24 h post inoculation.
completed, 01/2013 - 08/2016
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Effect of cryopreservation on genome mutation rate - examples of grapevine
Grapevine genetic resources are maintained in field collections being challenged by repeating biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant adapt to stress by increased mutation rates. Hence, long-term field collections may not be optimal to maintain original cultivars (and clones in grapevine). This project…
completed, 03/2018 - 03/2023
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An integrated modelling and learning framework for real-time online decision assistance in Swiss agriculture
We are developing an agricultural risk decision assistant based on a unique model that can assess and visualize reliable weather and seasonal climate forecasts, soil data, and crop growth forecasts. Based on real-time and historical weather, climate, soil and crop data and novel learning algorithms,…
completed, 12/2018 - 11/2021
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Conservation collection of grapevine varieties Halbinsel Au
ongoing, 01/2019 - 02/2027
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KEF Strip - Preliminary Study on development of an "AgriStrip" for the Spotted Wing Drosophila, SWD
In cooperation with Bioreba AG, it is to be clarified whether it is possible to develop an "AgriStrip" (lateral flow device, such as pregnancy test) for the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. This requires literature research and preliminary laboratory tests.
completed, 01/2020 - 10/2020