Ecological Intensification

Ökologische Intensivierung

In view of global and national population growth, it is essential that agricultural production be boosted without putting an additional strain on the environment. That is why we are working on more-efficient, environmentally compatible methods in animal husbandry and plant production.

Research Projects

Ackerpflanzenzüchtung Weizen Genressourcen

Breeding of Wheat and Soybean Cultivars, Genetic Resources

The goals of Agroscope's breeding programs are to provide high-performance varieties that make it possible to promote respect for the environment and product quality. Considerable weight is thus given to improving genetic resistance to fungal diseases...

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Seed Quality

The 'Seed Quality' Research Group helps ensure that the Swiss agricultural sector has access to certified seed. We carry out field inspections to ensure the varietal identity and varietal purity of our seed.

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Varieties and Production Techniques

Cultivar studies of arable crops in order to identify varieties which can be adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of this country, are resistant to diseases while preserving the environment, comply with the various quality criteria required by the market.

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Innovative Field-Crop Systems

"Conservation agriculture" (CA) aims to achieve sustainable and profitable agriculture and subsequently aims at improved livelihoods of farmers through the application of the three CA principles: minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop rotations.

Efficient Field Crop Nutrition

Plant Nutrition

The nutrition and fertilisation of agricultural crops is a key element of agricultural production. Advances leading to the production of fertilisers have had a fundamental impact on agricultural production and on the development of societies.

Pflanzenschutzmittel Labor

Chemical Aspects of Plant Protection Products

Assessments of the Possible Risks of Plant Protection Products for Konsumenten und Umwelt sowie Überprüfung der Einhaltung von Qualitätsstandards.

Pilze und Bakterien

Development of Strategies Against Fungi and Bacteria in Fruits and Vegetables

For the sustainable protection of plants against bacteria and fungi, we study the epidemiology of the pathogens, use microorganisms as natural antagonists for plant protection.

Schaedlingsprognose Hoplocampa Testudinea

Pest Forecasting and Monitoring in Fruits and Vegetables

We develop forecasting models in order to optimize timing of monitoring, management, and control measures of insect pests in fruit orchards.

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National Compentence Centre for Nematology

Exploring protection against damage caused by plant-parastic nematodes. The aim is to develop and implement new concepts for prevention, diagnosis and integrated control.

Pflanzenzüchtung Obst Apfel

Fruit Breeding (Apple and Apricot)

The goal of apple breeding is to obtain fruit with outstanding fruit and tree quality. We develop apple varieties which can be easily cultivated, in an environmentally sound manner.

Sustainable Production of High-Quality Fruit

„Create knowledge for practice“ is the slogan of the Extension Fruit Growing group. The team is addressing fruit growers’ issues raised in the pome and stone fruit forums.

gemuesebau setzlinge setzen

Sustainable Production of High-Quality Field Vegetables - Extension in vegetable growing

Helping the Swiss vegetable-production sector to combine increased product quality with sustainable and efficient production.

tomates grappes

Sustainable, High-Quality Greenhouse Production

Greenhous crops are intensive cultures with a strong added value. To remain competitive, the Swiss production has to bet on quality and innovation, stabilizing at the same time its production costs.

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Berries

The opening of the borders can cause a strong increase of low-cost foreign fruits importation, creating a strong economic pressure for Swiss producers.
In this context, the Swiss production has to aim at high fruit quality, high work efficiency and environment-friendly production techniques respectful of social conditions.

Sustainable production of high quality apricots

Our activity is mainly focused on the development of innovative techniques dedicated to the Extension people, to the producers and to the fruit traders.

Sud-des-Alpes

Sustainable Plant Protection South of the Alps

The areas in the South of the Alps have different pedologic, climatic and ecologic caracteristics than those of other Swiss areas. In consequence, several phytosanitary problems are specific for that area or are amplified in their frequency of their severity.

Fungus-Plant Interactions

Fungus-Plant Interactions, Risk Forecasts and Control

Fungal diseases linked to climate change and agronomic practices are recurrent problems for which new solutions must be found.

Schädlingsbekämpfung

Integrated and Biological Pest Management

We develop methods for the biological and integrated control of harmful insects and mites in field crops and special crops. We monitor pests which are new to Switzerland and develop mathematical models for use in computer-aided forecasting and warning services.

Sick tomato

Diagnosis of Viruses, Bacteria and Phytoplasma

The virology-photoplasmology laboratory performs molecular and serological diagnoses as well as the epidemiological monitoring of viral and phytoplasma diseases of plants cultivated in Switzerland (all crops), and of bacterial diseases in field crops and special crops (except for arboriculture and horticulture).

Erdmandelgras

Weed Control in Field Crops

New strategies for weed management are generated and the development of herbicide resistance in Switzerland is followed. Trials are conducted in the field, the greenhouse and the climate chamber.

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Vine Breeding for a Sustainable Viticulture Sector

To create new interspecific varieties (mainly red) that have a good level of resistance to fungal diseases (downy mildew, oïdium and botrytis) as well as a good oenological potential.

Pflanzenschutzmittel Spritze Traktor

Use, Efficacy and Risk Management of Plant Protection Products

Assessment of the Impact and Recommended Use of PPP’s and the Development of Sustainable Usage Strategies and Risk-Reducing Measures.

Posieux ruminants black and white in a pasture

Sustainable Dairy and Beef Production

Milk and beef are two of the most important production branches of Swiss agriculture. Agroscope helps to ensure that ruminants are fed in accordance with their requirements and that Swiss natural resources are utilised efficiently.

Posieux a pig eats

Sustainable Pork Production

The feeding and health of suckler sows, piglets and fattening pigs are elements crucial to economic success in pork production: they also guarantee a premium quality product - pork meat - for the Swiss consumer.

Grazing Systems Ruminants

Grazing Systems

We develop grazing techniques geared to the livestock species and farm type in question, paying particular attention to the ever-more-frequent dry spells.

Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs

Species-Appropriate Livestock Housing

Everyone who drinks milk and eats meat wants reassurance that farm animals are housed according to their needs. At Agroscope, housing systems for ruminants and pigs are tested in terms of animal welfare.

Horse Breeding, Housing and Use of Equids

Breeding, Housing and Use of Equids

The Swiss National Stud contributes decisively to the long-term preservation of the Franches-Montagnes horse through the keeping of FM breeding stallions and through its research in the field of population management.

Bee on a blossom of apple

Healthy Bees and Pollination Security

The Agroscope Centre for Bee Research advocates to ensure that sufficient bees are available throughout Switzerland for pollination in future project.

Futterbau Samenmischungen Kunstfutterbau

Seed Mixtures for Ley Farming

Meadows and pastures are ideal for producing top-quality roughage cost-efficiently. It is especially worthwhile for both forage production and for the environment if the plant species used are grown as a mixture.

futterpflanzenzuechung-weissklee

Breeding of Forage Grasses and Clover Species

The aims of diverse forage growing as the central component of sustainable production systems can only be achieved by using locally adapted, competitive, perennial varieties that are resistant to the main pests.

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Ecological Control of Plant Diseases in Arable Farming

This research activity concentrates on the development of efficient and environmentally sound measures for the control of pests and pathogens in cereals, potatoes, oilseed rape and in pastures.