Wageningen, The Netherlands
January 29, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Three patents available for biosynthesis of pyrethrins
Wageningen scientists have discovered the refined way in which the pyrethrum plant protects its seedlings against insect damage, fungi and competition from other seedlings. They isolated the various genes for the production of natural pyrethrins, the most familiar and commonly used biopesticides (including in organic agriculture). The research resulted in three patents that are largely available in license form to plant breeders, seed coating companies and producers of biopesticides.
» Read more about the possibilities of the patents
Crop protection 2.0: reducing environmental impact in the EU Is it feasible?
By 2023 all EU member states must be complying with more stringent guidelines related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). “The essence of the new guideline is reducing the environmental impact of pesticides,” says Piet Boonekamp, manager of the Bio-interactions and Plant Health business unit at Wageningen UR. “In principle this European goal can be achieved, as has been shown by the Dutch agriculture and horticulture sectors. But only if European politicians don’t lose themselves in the details.”
» Read more how it should be done according to Piet Boonekamp
Making Europe less dependent on protein import
The European Union aims to make the animal feed industry in Europe less dependent on imports from North and South America. Wageningen UR is studying the opportunities for new protein sources such as algae, beet greens and rape oil. It is also performing tests for the further development of European soya production.
» Read more about our investigation into protein sources in Europe
Living well in the shadow
In a dense natural forest, only few sunbeams reach the forest floor. Tree species, large and small, growing side by side. The small ones are overshadowed by the taller ones, but grow as fast as the tall species. That's remarkable! Wageningen professor Niels Anten (Centre for Crops Systems Analysis) has solved part of this riddle.
» Read more in Resource, magazine of Wageningen UR
More news
• Vici grant for Wageningen plant researcher René Geurts
• Technology offers Wageningen UR
• Distance Learning Plant Breeding
• Distance Learning Plant Pathology & Entomology
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