The Institute of Horticulture Weihenstephan: Research for the Green Practice
We are enthusiastic about questions from horticultural practice and develop innovative, science-based solutions.
Research at the Institute of Horticulture focuses particularly on production & quality management, sustainability strategies & resource conservation, as well as information management & knowledge transfer.
The focal points of the Institute of Horticulture
Professors from the Faculty of Horticulture and Food Technology and researchers from the IGB work on research projects relating to horticultural issues in flexible teams. In addition to classical horticultural research, topics of urban Horticulture are an integral part of the research activities. An Applied Science Centre for Smart Indoor Farming was founded. Research in fruit growing takes place at another location of the University of applied sciences, the Schlachters research station for pomiculture.
Whether resource-saving cultivation, indoor farming or digitalisation in Horticulture: if it increases sustainability, it is researched here. In the following, we outline the focal points of the Institute of Horticulture in detail.
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Sustainability strategies & resource conservation
The production and marketing of horticultural crops require a grand input of resources. Targeted cultivation methods, control strategies and the stake of new digital technologies can significantly improve the sustainability of Horticulture value chains.
The core topics of sustainability strategies & resource conservation are:
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closed cultivation systems & indoor farming
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intelligent climate control & energy saving
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waste heat recovery & tropical crops
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alternative substrate components & peat substitution
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integrated fertilisation & crop protection strategies
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effective irrigation & sensor-actuator networks
![Die Versuchsanlage Smart Indoor Farming von innen.]()
Experimental facility on closed cultivation systems - Smart Indoor Farming © Marvin Spence -
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Production & quality management
Consistent quality assurance taking sustainability into account along the value chain is a prerequisite for competitiveness. Method development and improvement of analytical procedures are the basis for product and process optimisation. Developing effective methods and evaluation schemes for quality assessment within the producer-trader-consumer supply chain creates benchmarks.
The core topics of production and quality management are:
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Sustainable Horticultural Management
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Diagnosis of pests
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Storage & post-harvest quality
![Ein Apfel wird mit einem Gerät angebohrt und ein Bohrkern entnommen.]()
Checking the fruit quality © Ivory Productions -
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Information Management & Knowledge Transfer
Developing and testing new technologies for knowledge transfer and information management in cooperation with companies is a central theme. Diagnostic, calculation and planning aids are created to provide production, commercial and service horticulture with valuable tools.
The core topics of information management and knowledge transfer are:
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Knowledge transfer by means of e-learning systems & in presence
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Online databases & information software
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Digitalisation & networking in Horticulture & Agriculture
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Digital Information Systems & Horticultural Software
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Urban Horticulture
Plants play an elementary role in human health and well-being, not only as food or medicine but also as a "feel-good factor". Therefore, we investigate research questions with the aim of ecologically oriented and sustainable urban horticulture. Imparting expertise in recreational horticulture also plays an important role.
The core topics of urban Horticulture are:
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Green Roofs, Building & Urban Climate, Water Management
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Indoor greening & indoor climate
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Expert knowledge for leisure gardeners on environmentally friendly cultivation
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School gardens for sustainable education
![An einer Pflanze wird die Photosyntheseleistung gemessen.]()
Messung der Photosyntheseleistung von Innenraumbegrünungspflanzen -
