Faster development of new tomato varieties
Plant biotechnologists in Freiburg, in collaboration with Chinese partners, have chemically reprogrammed the microspores of tomato plants. This innovation can significantly accelerate the breeding of new varieties.
RNA-based insecticides become competitive
In an SME innovation project, the SenseUp team has found a method to reduce the production costs of RNA molecules for crop protection by more than a factor of 1000.
Twice as effective towards more resistant grape varieties
In the SelWineQ project, viticulture researchers are looking for genetic markers in grape varieties in order to predict the quality of future wine by analysing leaves and to speed up breeding.
Weatherproof protein-based insecticides
A German-Thai team is developing a biological pesticide that can withstand rain and heat. This means that certain insect larvae such as armyworms can be combated more effectively.
A more sustainable painkiller
In the BigPharm project, researchers from Munich and Constance want to biotechnologically produce the cannabinoid delta-9-THC. In their search for enzymes for biosynthesis, they found what they were looking for in beard flowers and lichens.