"It is sometimes breathtaking how diverse the issues in fruit growing are these days," says Michael Zoth, and you can hear his enthusiasm. "We live in a time when a lot is changing in terms of landscape and climate, and we have to figure out what we can and must do now - and what of it is realistically implementable in practical and financial terms." Curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and the joy of tackling problems analytically drive the head of the fruit-growing operation at the Schlachters research station for pomiculture. Michael Zoth has worked at the HSWT research facility since September last year.

"My passion is experimentation: I already did it as a tutor during my studies," the 57-year-old tells us. "I like thinking about which characteristics or data I include in the experiment, how I structure them, and, thus, answer the questions I set up at the beginning." And: "I find it enriching to pass these things on to interns, students and my team. When my passion for the subject spills over, it's just great. Experimental work is also teamwork - I enjoy creating something together as a team."

The magic of fruit-growing

Michael Zoth is a "studied gardener", as he says. After graduating from high school, he did an apprenticeship as a gardener at a nursery in the Main Rhine area studied Horticulture in the region afterwards, specialising in fruit growing and tree nursery. From the very beginning, he was particularly fascinated by fruit growing. He enthuses: "This coming alive, this cycle over many years again and again, enjoying the ripe fruit, the variety." In addition, there are aspects of running a fruit-growing business economically, such as the relevant know-how to keep the high quality level over the years and the technology to work efficiently and sustainably. The research station for pomiculture in Schlachters had been a familiar name to him for a long time, as its long-time chief scientist, Prof. Dr. Dominikus Kittemann, is a former colleague. The friendly contact was maintained over the years, and Michael Zoth followed the successful developments in studies and teaching. "The experimental station was, therefore, compelling to me as a workplace, and when the position was advertised, I jumped at the chance," recalls the native of southern Hesse.

As head of the experimental station, one of his tasks is to verify that the fruit cultivation works well and that the conditions for good success of the research projects are given. He is also involved in the trials himself, and is currently conducting projects on the fruiting regulation. For example, the aim is to prevent trees from bearing too much fruit, which would reduce quality, among other things. In addition, he is responsible for the more bureaucratic side of research, which is no less necessary for success. For example, he takes care of the acquisition of third-party funding and supports project applications. In general, a lot depends on equipment in fruit growing and research - having to operate with limited financial resources is sometimes a challenge for the director, and being as good as possible is something he is committed to.

In nature and on the bike

What does the head of the orchard research station do as a balance to his job? "Gardening at home, too," says the father of three grown-up children with a smile. Michael Zoth generally likes to spend time in nature, for example, hiking. "The beautiful Lake Constance region is naturally made for that," he says, adding, "I appreciate the rolling hills here, in contrast to the rather flat land of my home region". In addition, Austria and Switzerland are practically around the corner - that's where Michael Zoth likes to go on motorbike tours. "I learned to ride a motorbike as a young man when I spent some time abroad in the USA during my studies. Then I didn't sit on a bike for a good twenty years - until I wanted to buy a Vespa and came home with a Moto Guzzi instead, the Italian equivalent of a Harley, so to speak," he says and laughs.