Plant robustness in focus: research for our ecosystems!

Plant robustness in focus: research for our ecosystems!

The University of Heidelberg has achieved significant success with its three applications, particularly in the area of ​​research on plant robustness. This was highlighted by the university in a recent announcement. Plants are the foundation of terrestrial life and have evolved fascinating strategies to respond robustly to environmental changes. This robustness is crucial to maintaining functions despite any disturbances, which is central to maintaining plant ecosystems and ensuring agricultural productivity. The newly founded GreenRobust Cluster of Excellence deals with precisely these topics.

The cluster investigates the robustness of plant systems from molecules to entire ecosystems. The universities of Tübingen, Heidelberg and Hohenheim are involved in this interdisciplinary project. The Cluster of Excellence covers three central research areas: the effects of climatic and biotic disturbances, the influence of these disturbances on different levels of biological organization and the diversity within specific plant families that are both ecologically and agriculturally important.

Innovative approaches and technologies

Particularly noteworthy are the methods used within the cluster. The scientists use network theory and artificial intelligence to develop new computer-based models. These models are intended to help understand the mechanisms underlying plant robustness. The cluster is headed by leading experts: Prof. Dr. Rosa Lozano-Durán from the University of Tübingen, Prof. Dr. Karl Schmid from the University of Hohenheim and Prof. Dr. Thomas Greb from the Center for Organismal Studies at Heidelberg University.

Another exciting aspect that should be considered in the context of sustainable agriculture is the importance of cocoa as one of the most important agricultural crops. German companies are not only the largest processors of raw cocoa, but also the leading exporters of chocolate products. About 60% of imported raw cocoa comes from Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer. However, cocoa farmers only receive a small share of the pricing in the value chain - only around 6 cents of every euro paid for a bar of milk chocolate in Germany.

Sustainability projects to support cocoa producers

A concrete example of sustainable initiatives is the PRO-PLANTEURS project, which is being carried out by GIZ in Côte d’Ivoire. In collaboration with various partners, including the Forum for Sustainable Cocoa and the national cocoa authority in Côte d'Ivoire, 47 farmer organizations with around 30,000 farmers work within this framework. The project focuses on four key areas of action that aim to improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers and increase agricultural productivity.

• Stärkung der Kakaobauernorganisationen: Verbesserung der internen Struktur, Einführung von Planungs- und Steuerungsinstrumenten, sowie Frauenförderung.
• Optimierung landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe: Trainings in „Farmer Business Schools“ zur Verbesserung des Betriebsmanagements und des Kakaoanbaus.
• Stärkung der Zusammenarbeit in der Wertschöpfungskette: Kofinanzierung von Projekten mit Mitgliedern des Forum Nachhaltiger Kakao.
• Gemeinsames Lernen und Innovationen fördern: Wissens- und Erfahrungsaustausch durch Dialog- und Lernveranstaltungen.

The initial results of this commitment are promising. 140 managers from 35 farmer organizations have already been trained and over 13,000 people have been trained in the farmer business schools. 8,000 farmers, 4,000 of whom were women, were able to complete extensive training on good agricultural practices. In 2022, 30,000 additional trained people were added to the project regions of Divo and Yamoussoukro, which underlines the importance of the project.

Both projects – research on plant robustness and sustainable cocoa production – show how important interdisciplinary approaches are in agriculture. They illustrate the potential of education and research to overcome challenges in today's agriculture.