Possibilities for companies and researchers from other organisations than Wageningen University & Research

Expert support

Unifarm staff can provide all sorts of support for the execution of experiments. A few of the possibilities:

• advice about cultivation and experimental techniques and execution of experiments
• work with Genetically Modified Organisms and Plant Pathogens
• crop care from sowing through to harvest
• application of various treatments according to a trials scheme
• processing and storage of the product
• make and record observations (measurements, assessments)
• sample taking and sample processing (grinding, drying, etc.)

Unifarm is part of the Large-Scale Scientific Infrastructure accredited by NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research).

Unifarm open to scientists worldwide

Designed for top quality research and complying with the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures, the Unifarm facility of Wageningen University & Research is open for top quality research projects carried out by scientists around the globe.

Scientists from academia, business, industry and public services can contact Unifarm to discuss the possibilities of carrying out their experiments in Unifarm’s research greenhouses, growth chambers, experimental fields and other facilities in Wageningen. Partnering with a group from within Wageningen University & Research is not a prerequisite, although it can be beneficial as our scientists can contribute their scientific expertise and knowledge of the Unifarm hardware and personnel to the project.

When using Unifarm’s facilities, scientists should acknowledge the contribution of the Unifarm research facility to the research carried out, for example in scientific papers. Where applicable, we may request guest researchers to include as co-author of any (scientific) publications the Unifarm personnel/students who have made genuine scientific contributions to the research.

Unifarm complies with all applicable Dutch and international laws and regulations, including those on intellectual property rights. At the same time, Unifarm strives to keep the administrative burden as simple as possible when it comes to granting access to the Unifarm hardware and skills of our personnel.  

Unifarm operates according to the wide access mode. While guaranteeing confidentiality, we strive for transparency by providing information on the available facilities, services provided and costs. When agreed upon with the guest scientists, certain information – such as climate data from experiments – can be made available to third parties.

Within the wide access approach we give priority to research projects that are driven by scientific excellence and originality. Leading scientists from Wageningen University will objectively evaluate research proposals in strict confidentiality. Unifarm will offer to provide the facilities and services for an attractive fee once research proposals have been accepted.

Examples of experiments

Team Greenhouses

• Control of the quarantine bacterium Clavibacter in tomato.
• Analysis of plant growth, development and the photosynthesis level of plants. Identification of the genes controlling these processes.
• Effect of light quality and light intensity (sunlight, various LEDs and SONT-T lamps) on photosynthesis, morphogenesis and development of plants.
• Genetic variation in the taste of tomato.
• Hydroponics: growth of plants on ‘salt’ water.
• Algae PARC research: developing cost-effective and sustainable micro-algae production methods.
• Applicability of LED lighting in horticulture.
• Disease resistance in banana (Panama disease).
• Phenotyping of plants by using advanced cameras and sensors.

Field experiments

• Comparison of Phytophthora resistance levels in newly developed potato cultivars.
• Green manure experiments with various ryegrasses for teaching practicals.
• Long-term effect of fertilisation on the botanical composition of grasslands.
• Long-range rotation experiments on driving tracks for organic farming.
• Research into worms brought into the soil from worm hotels.
• Rotation green manure experiments.
• Diversity research in herbs and grasses.
• Drift research with various innovative drift-reducing spray nozzles.

Droevendaal

• Effects of early herbivores on the insect community of black mustard.
• Evaluation of the eco plough in comparison with conventional and non-turning soil tillage.
• Effect of above-ground plant diversity on soil organisms.
• Sheep, long-term grazing research, in particular taste.

Applications

If you are interested in the possibilities for the execution of an experiment by Unifarm or if you wish to make use of one of our facilities, please contact one of the Team Leaders (Contact persons in the right hand column).

We can make a quotation on the basis of your request or a clear factual description of the experiment (trials plan).

The General Conditions Plant Research International are applicable for the execution of experiments for companies. We will send you these conditions together with the quotation.

A timely application is required in view of the preferential position of researchers of Wageningen University & Research. A confidentiality clause can be included in the contract for experiments for companies.

Cooperation Experimental Farms Wageningen Plant Research

Unifarm maintains good contacts with Wageningen Plant Research. Wageningen Plant Research has branches in Bleiswijk (greenhouse horticulture), Lelystad (arable farming, field production of vegetables and multifunctional agriculture), Lisse (bulbs, nursery stock) and Randwijk (fruit). This cooperation enables Unifarm to provide services throughout the Netherlands.