Sustainable Agricultural Production of Substances

The aim of this new business area is to achieve a higher added value from natural resources while also protecting them. To achieve this goal we evaluate the potential use of active substances from renewable raw materials, especially from niche plants and residues, with respect to pesticidal and pharmacological effectiveness.

At the same time, the resource efficiency of agricultural production is determined by considering positive effects of crop rotation and an increased agrobiodiversity.

Evaluating the economic competitiveness of the approach includes knowledge on the efficacy of single substances versus extracts, the variability of the yield depending on plant varieties, soil and climatic conditions, pathogen infection and postharvest treatment. We also offer an economic assessment of multiple uses, minimizing competition to food and feed production.

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Research, development and services


Analysis and evaluation of the quality of renewable raw materials  

  • Assessment of the potential uses of active substances from renewable raw materials, especially from minor crops and residues
  • Analytical assessment of renewable raw materials qualities (e. g. characterization of aroma spectra and secondary plant products)
  • Analysis of the pharmacological and pesticidal activities of extracts and isolates
  • Analytically-supported optimization of the use of plant raw materials (multiple uses)

Evluation of agricultural production systems

  • Evaluation of economic efficiency during the production of raw materials, individual substances or extracts, depending on the use of different plant varieties, soil and climatic conditions and postharvest treatments
  • Utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
    - Identification of ideal locations for the production of high-quality raw materials
    - Measurement of the quality of raw materials depending on soil properties and climatic conditions
  • Evaluation of soil improvement by utilizing waste and secondary raw materials in terms of yield and product quality
  • Economic assessment of multiple uses, minimizing competition to food and feed production