Department of General and Organic Viticulture

The Department of General and Organic Viticulture focuses on the dynamic interaction between vines and their environment. We work with a broad range of vine training and vineyard management systems to understand their effects on vine physiology. By accurately interpreting these effects, our research has strong practical relevance, with findings that can be applied directly in the vineyard and integrated into our teaching. This ensures our degree programs remain current and helps support real-world viticulture practice.

In long-term trials with different grape varieties we work intensively on vine physiology, component formation and product quality, climate change (temperature, light, carbon dioxide), and resource management (irrigation), with the aim of studying integrated, organic and biodynamic management systems (INBIODYN). The multi-process approach to vineyard management, combined with increased added value through innovative products, also falls within our area of expertise.

Contactless measuring techniques constitute an important methodological approach in describing vine physiology. Using non-invasive technologies, sensors can monitor factors outside the visible range, allowing us to track what we cannot see. This provides information with high temporal and spatial resolution which identifies physiologically relevant and dynamic changes. User-friendly interpretation and practical implementation constitute a major step towards knowledge and technology transfer.