Since 2007, Rheingauer Volksbank has been awarding prizes to Geisenheim students whose final theses offer high practical value and contribute to advancing the wine industry in terms of quality, economic efficiency, and sustainability.
“This year marks the 19th time we are presenting the Rheingauer Volksbank Award, and it has lost none of its significance or value,” said Andreas Zeiselmaier, Chairman of the Board of Rheingauer Volksbank. “On the contrary: year after year it becomes clear how much innovative spirit, scientific depth, and forward thinking can be found in the minds of young people here in Geisenheim. And that is exactly what we want to recognize with this award, as it stands for many of the things that define us as Rheingauer Volksbank: supporting young people, further developing our region, and appreciating the viticulture that forms the cultural and economic backbone of the Rheingau.”
The award ceremony took place at the bank’s main branch in Geisenheim. In his welcome address, Supervisory Board Chairman Winfried Steinmacher expressed his enthusiasm for the practical relevance of the two award-winning theses, whose topicality “leads directly into the future of the Rheingau.”
Mayor Christian Aßmann was also in attendance at the event. He congratulated the award recipients on behalf of the town of Geisenheim: “It gives me great pleasure to honor your work! With passion, courage, and professional excellence, you demonstrate exactly how the future of viticulture is being shaped. I wholeheartedly express my appreciation for this outstanding commitment and the valuable results of your work. My thanks also go to Rheingauer Volksbank, which awards the prize every year. It represents a strong sign of appreciation and solidarity in Geisenheim and the Rheingau.”
A Highly Topical Contribution to Sustainable Vineyard Management
In his thesis, ‘Influence of Rootstock Genotype on Root System Architecture’, Michael Bruch examines the often neglected root system of grapevines. The thesis was supervised by Lukas Fichtl, himself a previous Rheingauer Volksbank Award recipient, and Dr. Matthias Friedel, both from the Department of General and Organic Viticulture.
Against the backdrop of climate change and increasing drought, Bruch analyzed how the choice of rootstock influences root system architecture and thus affects water supply and site adaptability. By exposing entire root systems in the field down to a soil depth of two meters and recording them precisely using electromagnetic 3D digitization, Bruch provides both scientifically sound data and practice-relevant insights.
“The results of my thesis show how important the root system is for sustainable vineyard management,” Bruch explains. “They can help winegrowers optimize their rootstock selection and irrigation strategies in the long term.”
His work sets methodological standards, closes an important knowledge gap between research and practice, and demonstrates impressively how scientific findings can be directly transferred to the vineyard.
Practical Inspiration for Organic Viticulture and Future Grapevine Breeding
In his bachelor’s thesis, ‘Studies on the Susceptibility of Fungus-Resistant Grapevine Varieties (PIWIs) to Black Rot and Its Biological Control’, Jakob Müller addresses current challenges in cultivating new grape varieties. The thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Linda Muskat (Department of Crop Protection) and Dr. Johanna Frotscher (Department of Plant Breeding).
The jury rated the work as exceptionally demanding and scientifically outstanding – it reached the level of a master’s thesis and was awarded the highest possible grade. Müller examined the growing importance of black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) in mildew-resistant grape varieties under conditions of reduced fungicide applications. He analyzed both genetic and phenological aspects of black rot resistance in grapevines and tested plant extracts and microbial antagonists as potential alternatives to conventional plant protection products in organic viticulture.
“It was particularly important to me to develop practical solutions for organic viticulture and to investigate sustainable plant protection strategies,” Müller says. “The results of my work are intended to help wineries transition to PIWI varieties efficiently and sustainably.”
His interdisciplinary thesis was developed in close collaboration with the Departments of Plant Breeding and Crop Protection and already forms the basis for a research project proposal. Initial results have been presented at national and international conferences – a clear sign of the relevance of his research.
Contacts:
Rheingauer Volksbank: Andreas Braun, Head of Division for Marketing & Online; 06722 503 305; andreas.braun@rvb-online.de
Hochschule Geisenheim University: Tina Kissinger, Communication & Marketing; 06722 502 6202; tina.kissinger@hs-gm.de
