Plant production

Agronomy

The research group is open for diverse studies in crop production systems. The applied focus is on optimum crop management practices for Pannonian arable sites. Targeted research objects are underutilized crops and production alternatives (e. g. grain amaranth, intercrops, winter forms of traditionally spring sown crops). Long-term experiments with Renewable Bioresources (e. g. Miscanthus, willows & poplars) and the more than 100 years old “Permanent Rye” plots are also included. Contact: Univ.Prof. Hans-Peter Kaul Further information: www.dnw.boku.ac.at/en/pb/

Physiology of Crop Nutrition

Established in 2011, the research and teaching activities of this research group cover the physiological functions of mineral nutrients in crop plants and their significance for yield formation. The main research focus is on interactions between crop root characteristics and nutrient acquisition, with the overall objective of improving crop nutrient-use efficiency in order to reduce fertiliser application and minimise fertiliser-related environmental stresses. In terms of methodology, the focus is on investigating root morphology and architecture, using non-destructive digital image analysis, and their importance for improving phosphorus- und nitrogen-acquisition efficiency. In addition to empirical approaches, process-based crop growth models are applied for in silico phenotyping and assessing the long-term effects of nutrient-efficient genotypes on crop yield and soil fertility in crop production systems. The research findings are essential for the development of new crop cultivars with improved nutrient-use efficiency.

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad M. Manschadi

Further information: www.dnw.boku.ac.at/en/pb/

Crop Ecology

The research group Crop Ecology investigates interactions between crops and their environment in the agricultural production system. Measurement methods of crop physiology and soil science are combined with mathematical modelling. Research takes place mainly in field trials with additional process studies under greenhouse and laboratory conditions. A key topic is root research in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum with particular focus on better drought stress resistance of crop production. Important individual topics are soil tillage, cover cropping and the use of physiological plant traits for stress resistant crop production systems. Contact: Dr. Gernot Bodner Further information: www.dnw.boku.ac.at/en/pb/

Plant Breeding

The overall and long-term goal of our work is to contribute by up-to-date teaching and by scientific
research to sustainable agricultural production systems in order to provide sufficient healthy food, feed
and renewable materials for human needs.

The Institute for Biotechnology in Plant Production participates with lectures and lab courses in the
teaching activities of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. We are involved
in a range of courses for Bachelor and Master students for Applied Plant Sciences, Agricultural
Biology, Horticultural Sciences, Phytomedicine and Biotechnology.

In our research we focus on basic and applied research in the areas plant breeding, plant genetics
and phytopathology. The logical overlaps between these topics are plant-pathogen interaction,
genetics of disease resistance and breeding research for disease resistance. We almost exclusively
perform our own research work on agricultural crop plants, such as wheat, barley, maize, pumpkin.

We try to perform our research work inter-disciplinary. Whenever appropriate we cooperate in
research with colleagues in our department, with partners from other departments of BOKU and of course with research partners from outside our own university.

Contact: Univ.Prof. Hermann Bürstmayr Further information: www.dnw.boku.ac.at/en/pz/