At the Breitenhof Conference in Wintersingen, BL you’ll discover the latest on protecting cherries from Pseudomonas, on the potential for mechanisation in fruit (particularly plum) management, and on the new ‘Gisela’ rootstock, As with every year, the latest news on Swiss stone-fruit production and marketing is on the agenda. Entry is free, with no need to register.
An Agroscope study shows that the Suisse-Bilanz nutrient-balance calculation tool could serve as an environmental indicator for sustainable nutrient use – but only for phosphorus, not for nitrogen.
An Agroscope study gives an overview of front-of-pack labels on the packaging of 66 plant-based milk alternatives (hereafter referred to as milk alternatives) available in Swiss supermarkets. It also examines whether the information on the labels accurately reflects product properties.
In a new practice-oriented publication, Agroscope summarises all available information on the biology of the Japanese beetle as well as the legal bases. In addition, experts assess the threat to various crops and take a deeper dive into control measures.
Standard values for livestock feed intake and excretion are essential for proper farm fertilisation planning and assessment of the farm’s nutrient balance. Agroscope adjusted the standard values for sheep with the aim of improving nutrient-flow assessment.
The influence of horn status and the genetic variant of the (A1/A2) β-Casein milk protein on milk quality and digestion is the subject of much debate. This study shows that the milk of cows with a genetic difference in β-Casein is digested slightly differently in the human stomach, but that horn status has no effect in this regard.
This year, Agroscope’s focus is on potato variety testing. The ‘Sonderschau Kartoffeln’ (=’Spud Spectacular’) takes a playful approach to explaining the importance of the quest for robust varieties.
Foliar fertilisation around veraison improves grape nitrogen levels without affecting vigour. A trial shows that the fertilisers ‘Safe N 300’ and ‘Folur’ effectively increase assimilable nitrogen in the grape must; however, their degree of effectiveness depends on climatic conditions.
Farm managers are getting older and older on average. Although this trend poses challenges for the Swiss agricultural sector, it also offers opportunities.
Summer droughts reduce grassland yields and forage quality. More drought-resistant than herbaceous species, certain trees can provide supplementary forage of good nutritional value in summer.
Agroscope harbours a treasure in the form of its microorganism collections. From fungi to cheese-culture bacteria by way of microalgae, these valuable resources drive research on behalf of a more sustainable agricultural sector.
Piglets which as fetuses suffered from growth restriction in the uterus have lower birth weights and higher mortality. Postpartum targeted feeding enables improved development and weight gain.
A study conducted on Chasselas vines in Switzerland shows the effects of yield regulation practices on grape ripening and nitrogen composition and suggests a two-year approach for optimising quality and sustainability.
The scientific conference will take place on 13 May 2025 at the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL in Zollikofen. This year's theme will be "Future Lactation Curve: What Suits Which Farm?". The conference will be held in German.
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