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DFG-Forschergruppe
/ DFG-Reasearch Group Protected
cultivation - an approach to sustainable |
| Leibniz University of Hannover (LUH) | | |
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| 30419 Hannover, Germany |
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2001 - 2003 |
| At present vegetable production in SE Asia is characterised by a strong dependency on chemical plant protection, with all the inherent environmental and health hazards for farmers and consumers. In this project we thus intend to develop through a holistic research approach an environmentally friendly, and sustainable vegetable production system for the humid tropics. Because of the great diversity of vegetables in SE Asia, we have to concentrate on one model crop, i.e. tomatoes, which then can be researched in greater detail. With regard to intervention techniques, we will focus on protected cultivation. We believe that our approach will permit us to successfully combine both fundamental and applied research, and will lead to the development of a model for a modern vegetable production system in the humid tropics that is both sustainable and less harmful for the environment. |
2004 - 2007 | ||
| General aims: | ||
| The principles of our basic research concept, described in detail in the proposal for phase I of the project, are still valid for phase II: | ||
| · | Sustainable production of tomatoes as a vegetable model crop under the climatic and socio-economic conditions of the humid tropics in a peri-urban production area. | |
| · | Protected cultivation (net-houses) and biological plant protection. | |
| · | Interdisciplinary, system orientated approach with ‘satellite experiments’ to produce basic data and single problem solutions and an continuously running ‘central experiment’ (CE), integrating and optimising the findings from the satellite experiments. | |
| In
phase II
of the project we intend to continue and complement the investigations
initiated in phase I, as well as research new topics that result from
findings of our studies in phase I. In the technical sub-project (P8) the climate control in
the greenhouses (GH) will be further optimised, improving the
ventilation inside the GHs and testing the use of NIR-absorbing plastic
sheets. Closely linked to this are improvements of the fertilization
especially the Ca-supply and the irrigation system (P3, P8) to optimise the supply
of nutrients which is of paramount importance to assure high crop
productivity and to assure and strengthen an environmentally friendly
production system. In order to address the present, possibly seasonal,
problems of flower induction and fruit setting a new sub-project that
will seek to develop both short- and long-term solutions is integrated (P9). The agronomy
sub-project (P2) will
need to combine already existing data on plant architecture with models
on the productivity of leaves and fruit setting to finally develop a
holistic plant growth model. For plant protection we require a better
and in depth understanding of the trilateral interactions of
plant-virus-thrips vector and the development of an efficient
biological control strategy for the vectors. For the latter promising
options are behavioural-modifying manipulations of the UV-spectrum and
the inundative releases of efficient natural enemies (P1). However, for limiting
the impact of viral diseases, approaches should not only target at the
vectors but also necessitate to encompass modern approaches, especially
the development of virus resistant transgenic varieties/genotypes (P5). In phase I the most
important fungal disease turned out to be black mould, caused by Pseudocercospora
fuligena. Thus basic investigations on the biology,
epidemiology and interactions with other pathogens as well on
biological control are of paramount importance (P4, P3). With soil-born
pathogens (Fusarium, Ralstonia) and nematodes
research on biological control via resistance, rhizo-bacteria and/or
mycorrhiza need to be continued, coupled with studies on resistance
mechanisms (P6, P7). All projects
intensively cooperate with Thai researchers from Ait and KU. In general
we anticipate that based on the conceptional framework, the continuous
integration and optimisation of results within a Central Experiment
(CE) and cooperation program we will be able to develop a system-based,
holistic production system for our model crop tomatoes under protected
cultivation in the humid tropics and improve education and scientific
cooperation on an international level. | ||
| Description | Research Projects |
| Project 1 |
Principal Investigators: H.-M. Poehling (LUH), & T. Attathom (KU) Research Associates: A. Upanisakorn, N. Halaweh, and N. Nguyen |
| Project 2 | Optimising
the canopy architecture of tomatoes in protected cultivation Principal Investigator: H. Stützel (LUH) & S. Thanisawanyangkura (KU) Research Associates: K. Schuhmacher |
| Project 3 | Optimisation
of the mineral nutrition of tomato with regard to fruit yield, fruit
quality and resistance against pests and diseases Principal Investigator: W. Horst (LUH) & W. Intanoo (KU) Research Associate: J. Max and G. Heine |
| Project 4 |
Investigations
of a complex of tomato diseases: |
| Project 5 |
Development and evaluation of transgenic virus
resistant tomato plants |
| Project 6 |
Synergism between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
and bacteria |
| Project 7 (accorded with a DFG-award!) |
Integrated management of bacterial diseases of
tomato, |
| Project 8 |
Adapted greenhouse systems for integrated
vegetable production in tropical climates |
| Project 9 |
Identification of factors limiting fruit set in
tomato with the aim of |
Administration and technical staff of the projects Bangkok Global Project Co-ordinator: J. Max Senior project consultant: P. Menakanit Technical assistant: S. Deaum and S. Yule Secretary: J. Manprasert Administrative support Hannover: M. Rothenhäuser |
