Expertises of Wageningen Plant Research
We work from business units. Visit these pages for all information and the latest news and updates about these areas of expertise. Don't know where your topic belongs? Below you will find more information about our expertises.
Agrosystems Research
Agrosystems Research is based on agroecology, which refers to an integrated perspective on agronomic systems and land use. We understand the soil-crop-environment continuum at both the process level and the ecosystem level. We do this by means of experimental design and computer modelling, on-farm testing and implementation in interaction with stakeholders. Our goal is to improve sustainable agriculture, food security and efficient use of resources.
Biointeractions & Plant Health
The experts of Biointeractions & Plant Health study harmful and useful insects, viruses, bacteria and fungi and analyze their effect on plants. Both in a positive (biological control) and negative sense (damage to plants). We work on IPM: integrated pest management, we detect pests and diseases and we examine the health of bees. In our phytosanitary research, we work with advanced diagnostic tests to prevent contamination.
Biometris
Biometris, one of the largest groups of quantitative scientists in North-Western Europe, develops statistical and mathematical methods for the quantification of biological processes and processes in our living environment. These methods are applied and validated in practice and are often available as software packages. In addition, we provide education at the undergraduate, Master, PhD, and PostDoc levels, as well as training and consultancy for industry. We cover a wide range of application areas, from gene to ecosystem and from product to production chain. Our goal is to bring quantitative methods to life!
Bioscience
Bioscience: designing plants that meet the resource needs of society.
Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs
The business unit Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs is contributing to a completely sustainable and profitable sector that is fossil-free, has closed the water cycle, aims at circular use of raw materials and uses minimal amounts of chemical crop protection products.
Field Crops
The experts of Field Crops contribute to innovation and knowledge development in arable farming, field production of vegetables, green space, nursery stock and fruit growing, at both the national and international level. As our work on developing practical innovations is commissioned by the private and the public sectors, we ensure that our independent position and academic integrity are always at the forefront.
Plant Breeding
Unravelling the genetic system of a crop with a good drought tolerance or insect resistance is no simple task. It requires fundamental knowledge of plant genetics but also new strategies and techniques to utilise such knowledge in the breeding of plants.
Agrosystems Research
Agrosystems Research is based on agroecology, which refers to an integrated perspective on agronomic systems and land use.
We understand the soil-crop-environment continuum at both the process level and the ecosystem level. We do this by means of experimental design and computer modelling, on-farm testing and implementation in interaction with stakeholders.
Our goal is to improve sustainable agriculture, food security and efficient use of resources.
Biointeractions and Plant Health
The experts of Biointeractions & Plant Health study harmful and useful insects, viruses, bacteria and fungi and analyze their effect on plants. Both in a positive (biological control) and negative sense (damage to plants). We work on IPM: integrated pest management, we detect pests and diseases and we examine the health of bees. In our phytosanitary research, we work with advanced diagnostic tests to prevent contamination.
Biometris
Biometris, one of the largest groups of quantitative scientists in North-Western Europe, develops statistical and mathematical methods for the quantification of biological processes and processes in our living environment. These methods are applied and validated in practice and are often available as software packages. In addition, we provide education at the undergraduate, Master, PhD, and PostDoc levels, as well as training and consultancy for industry. We cover a wide range of application areas, from gene to ecosystem and from product to production chain. Our goal is to bring quantitative methods to life!
Bioscience
Bioscience means: designing plants that meet the resource needs of society. Nearly all natural resources we exploit today are based on past or present production by plants or photosynthetic organisms. Because of a growing world population, changing consumption patterns and diminishing fossil resources, the need for plant based products and materials will continue to increase. Other trends, such as climate change and diminishing availability of land and water will put an even larger emphasis on the need to continuously improve crop production. That is what the researchers of Bioscience are working on.
Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs
The business unit greenhouse horticulture & flower bulbs is contributing to a completely sustainable and profitable sector that is fossil-free, has closed the water cycle, aims at circular use of raw materials and uses minimal amounts of chemical crop protection products. Sensors at greenhouse and plant level provide data that is used for decision support for growers and automation.
Our researchers are impact-driven and therefore work closely with companies in the sector, both growers and suppliers. Because the issues are complex, our approach is always integral. We look at all aspects at the same time: the crop, the management, the technical systems and the design of a greenhouse. We can do this because experts in many disciplines work together in the business unit, both technical and biological, from crop health to AI.
Field Crops
The experts of Field Crops contribute to innovation and knowledge development in arable farming, field production of vegetables, green space, nursery stock and fruit growing, at both the national and international level. As our work on developing practical innovations is commissioned by the private and the public sectors, we ensure that our independent position and academic integrity are always at the forefront. We have test facilities equipped to carry out accurate and efficient tests and demos, both in the field and under controlled conditions.
Plant Breeding
Unravelling the genetic system of a crop with a good drought tolerance or insect resistance is no simple task. It requires fundamental knowledge of plant genetics but also new strategies and techniques to utilise such knowledge in the breeding of plants. That is what the researchers at Plant Breeding are working on.