The road map outlines ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has a vision of leading Europe's bioeconomy transition towards 2050 by cutting its carbon footprint by 80% while creating more than 50% more added value.
Agriculture sciences
BDBe (2017): High acceptance for biofuels made from field crops
In the 28 EU Member States, 69 percent of respondents are in favor of the increased use of these biofuels, while 15 percent are against it and 16 percent are undecided.
Liquid wood conserves resources
In 1998, Tecnaro GmbH was set up in Pfinztal as a spin-off from the Frauenhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) with the aim of bringing a new kind of medium to market. Since its foundation, it has been developing, producing and selling premium thermoplastic materials made from liquid wood. Together with Helmut Nägele, Jürgen Pfitzer has been managing the company in Ilsfeld-Auenstein, Baden-Württemberg, since 1998.
Plant breeding using CRISPR-Cas molecular scissors
Researchers first presented the CRISPR-Cas genomic scissors in 2012 in the journal Science. In the meantime, the molecular precision tool has revolutionised the field of molecular biology. Holger Puchta from the KIT is one of the first researchers to use these genomic scissors to make targeted modifications to the genetic material of plants. In the interview, he explains how so-called genome editing works, and why the agricultural crops that result from this technology are indistinguishable from natural plants.
Using sewage waste water for hydroponics
On their quest for ways to save water during farming, researchers are focussing more and more on sewage treatment plants. Within the cooperation project “HypoWave” Frankfurt-based researchers headed by the agricultural expert Martina Winker aim to develop a new method in order to use municipal sewage water more effectively for farming plants. Therefore, they are focussing on hydroponics.
A smart app as a doctor for plants
Plant diseases and pests are a plague for farmers and hobby gardeners all around the world. With her ‘Plantix’ app, Simone Strey from Hanover-based start-up PEAT is now offering a novel form of support for self-help. From the photos provided by users, the software not only identifies pest infestation and nutrient deficiency in plants, but also provides advice on how to deal with disease or parasites. The geobotanist Strey and her team were honoured with the ‘Innovation Award 2017’ at this year's CeBit, the world’s biggest digital fair.
Selenium-rich apple from Altes Land
Jonagold, Boskop or Elstar: apples are the Germans' favorite fruit. There are almost 2,000 different varieties in the country. The fruit has few calories, but many healthy ingredients such as vitamins and minerals. Researchers at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences have developed an apple that is even richer in one health-promoting ingredient and is also said to strengthen the immune system. The innovation: The new fruit called Selstar impresses with a particularly high selenium content.
Knowing when and where to grow
Competition is part of the natural environment: animals compete for food sources while plants mainly compete for light, which is essential to their growth. Similar to animals, plants have several options of how to react in the face of competition. Biologists from the University of Tübingen have now demonstrated that plants can in fact choose between alternative competitive responses according to the stature and densities of their opponents.
Teething plants
Sharp teeth and spiky stings are a common defense mechanism across the animal kingdom. However, plants are using thorns and spikes as well, to ward off herbivores and insects. And now botanists of Bonn University found out that the use of calcium phosphate incrustations to strengthen their defences is far more widespread among plants than previously thought.
Promising new weapon against bee parasite
The wide-spread disappaerance of insects has many causes, including environmental toxins and climate change. But regarding the high bee mortality of the past years, there is another culprit: the Varroa mite. This parasite has infected almost all bee colonies. The mites suck at the larvae and bees and weaken them. In addition, the Varroa mite also transmits pathogens.