The use of synthetic pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides is increasing worldwide. As a result, pesticide residues are increasingly found in food and are accumulating in groundwater and drinking water. Synthetic pesticides are also criticised for reducing biodiversity and reducing soil fertility due to their non-specific effect. It is not possible to do without plant protection, but so-called biologics – i.e. bio-based active ingredients – are a sustainable alternative.
New SFB: Protein biochemistry meets plant research
Boost for protein and plant research at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved the new Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1664 "Diversity of Plant Proteoforms - SNP2Prot". The university will receive around 12.5 million euros for the first funding period, which will last just under four years.
Algae enzymes for hydrogen production
Hydrogen is one of the energy sources of the future, as it can be produced in a completely climate-neutral way. However, green hydrogen is only sustainable if it is also produced entirely from sustainable sources. It is known that certain algae have the potential to produce hydrogen from water and sunlight.
DATI innovation communities
Bringing more good ideas into application and thus to companies and people: As a new component of its transfer and innovation promotion programme, the Federal Government intends to promote social and technological innovations in the future by setting up the German Agency for Transfer and Innovation (DATI). As an innovation agency, DATI will be based in Erfurt.
How roots protect maize plants from drought
The cultivation of maize has a long tradition. 9,000 years ago in southern Mexico, the tastiest and highest-yielding maize plants were selected from the descendants of the original teosinte variety and used for breeding. Over the centuries, the plant has adapted to a wide variety of locations and gradually changed more than just the appearance of the cobs. The modern maize plant also produces higher yields. Until now, it was unclear how the domestication of today's most important food crop has affected the root system.
Soil research: BonaRes experts take stock
The abbreviation "BonaRes" stands for "soil as a sustainable resource for the bioeconomy". This funding initiative launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in 2015 focuses on the sustainable use of soil as a scarce resource.
Biotechnology in Germany: More than 1 billion euros flow into the sector
Taking stock of the German biotechnology sector: this week, two industry analysts have presented the key economic figures.
New bioeconomy alliance for bio-based healthcare products
Hemp, reeds, algae and Rügen healing clay are among the biogenic resources that are intended to pave the way for a sustainable and bio-based economy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV). The BioEconomy Centre (BÖZ) Anklam is committed to making optimum use of these local raw materials and reusing them as many times as possible. Under the leadership of Beatrice Großjohann, the team brings together partners from research and industry in order to make the region's potential visible and utilise it for new products for the bioeconomy.
Agricultural systems of the future: the new brochure is now available
Climate change, global population growth and urbanisation: our food and agricultural systems are facing a multitude of complex challenges. New solutions are needed for sustainable, resource-efficient and adaptable agricultural production. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) wants to play an active role in shaping the transformation towards a sustainable, future-proof agricultural and food industry.
NTU (2024): Crop and landscape heterogeneity increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes
This is the conclusion reached by an international research team led by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, which analysed studies from Europe, Asia, North and South America. According to the study, numerous wild animal and plant species in agricultural fields benefit from a diverse environment.