From beetle beans to ginger – in Wies in the Styrian district of Deutschlandsberg, research is carried out into new and old varieties to give our farmers a future.
apple of paradise. Even city children can get an idea of why tomatoes were once called that at the testing station for special cultures in Wies. They are in front of you in all varieties, glossy deep red – all neatly sorted in green boxes and numbered, waiting for further processing. However, this does not lead the tomatoes to our plate, but to the laboratory, where it is tested which variety grows best in our country under which conditions.
On the former Burgstall estate, however, they are not satisfied with the research on tomatoes – 20 experiments are currently being conducted with different plants on the property, which covers 4.5 hectares of open land and 3000 square meters of protected growing area (ie greenhouses). or polytunnels).
Climate change and the associated extreme weather conditions are increasing the importance of this facility for Styrian agriculture. “A lot of future work for our farmers is happening here,” says agricultural councilor Johann Seitinger (ÖVP). “The climatic situation is becoming increasingly precarious. In a few years, many of our soils will no longer be suitable for certain crops – so innovations in the field are needed. Greenhouse breeding alone is not enough.”
In Wies, tireless research is being done to find out how exotic-looking crops can also become indigenous to us. After years of testing, the (mini) watermelon or sweet potato, for example, could be given the green light. Sesame, artichokes and even ginger are currently grown.
New runner bean variety adapted to the new climate
“On average, it takes ten years for a new variety to hit the market,” explains Doris Lengauer, head of the research institute since 2006. Recently, she and her team achieved a real breakthrough: “We have developed a new type of runner bean that is better adapted to the new climatic conditions – the old variety was still bred for rainy, cooler summers.”
The new climatic conditions are also causing problems for the Krauthäuptel in Graz. “The heat is generally a big problem for salads,” Lengauer says. “Irrigation alone will not help us in the long run – we need varieties or crops that can better cope with the new conditions. Krauthäuptel breeding is already on the right track.”
“Many varieties that have potential here”
In the legume group, the expert sees a more heat-resistant alternative for local farmers. “Maybe edamame, ie the white soybean, or wild beans, maybe sesame or quinoa — I think there are a lot of varieties that have a lot of potential here.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
