Circuit through the Plant Science Garden 2011

Maize

Pest-resistant. In the Plant Science Garden, there are many newly-developed varieties of maize that employ the Bt concept: they produce substances that help the maize plant protect itself against pests such as the European corn borer, a moth or the Western corn rootworm, a beetle.  MORE

Hybrid breeding. The offspring deliver significantly more yield than the parents. This amazing effect is used to advantage in breeding. Such hybrid varieties are almost the only type of maize now available. MORE

Herbizd  tolerance. Environmentally-friendly weed control, sustainable agriculture – with herbicide-tolerant maize? MORE

Sugar beets

Weed control is labour-intensive. Herbicide-tolerant sugar beets could make it considerably simpler and easier on the environment. This is being tested in real-life conditions in the Plant Science Garden. MORE

Wheat

In developing countries especially, smut fungi are a problem in wheat cultivation. Once a plant becomes infested, the grains turn black, leading to a complete loss of yield. A group of researchers in Zurich has transferred a natural defense mechanism found in maize to wheat. Does the method work? Is it worthwhile continuing research? New findings will come about from tests being carried out in Üplingen. MORE

Plants that produce raw materials or pharmaceuticals

There are many research groups and companies around the world working on the development of plants that can deliver new renewable raw materials: valuable materials with special characteristerics, as well as bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. In the Plant Science Garden you can take a look at the future of agriculture:

Dandelions: A certain type of dandelion from Central Asian produces 'natural' rubber, a valuable raw material in rubber production.  MORE

Potatoes: By transferring genes, "bioplastic" can be obtained from potatoes, as well as a vaccine that is effective against the virus causing a disease in rabbits.  MORE

Biosafety research on Bt maize

What effect does Bt maize have on the environment? Do we already know enough today to be able to rule out long-term damage? Many research projects address these questions. A small exhibition in the Üplingen Plant Science Garden shows what methods are being used to find the answers. MORE

Tobacco: confined genes

Scientists from Potsdam-Golm have developed a tobacco plant whose newly transferred genes should not be able to outcross. They are using certain biological mechanisms in the plant's cells for this purpose. But is this biological method truly "tight"? Even in difficult environmental conditions? Before this can be tested in field conditions, pilot tests on "normal" tobacco plants are called for. These are taking place in the Üplingen Plant Science Garden. MORE