The first day focused on the theme “Resource Efficiency in Horticulture.” Across twelve sessions, participants presented 61 talks and 42 posters covering vegetable production, education and extension, plant protection, ornamental horticulture, economics, technology, and fruit science.
From the HortiBonn team, Prof. Eike Luedeling presented recent advances in modelling apple flowering predictions for the Rhineland region. Dr. Anton Milyaev discussed changes in growth regulator profiles following winter dormancy in fruit trees. Dr. Michael Blanke introduced a computer model for the visualization and optimization of mechanical thinning. Dr. Christine Schmitz provided an overview of time measurements for apple pruning and harvesting in different training systems, conducted together with Lars Zimmermann as part of the Experimentierfeld Südwest project. Dr. Thorsten Kraska presented the potential use of drying plant oils as an alternative plant protection strategy, as well as the effects of mycorrhizal fungi applications at sowing or planting on leek development. Jan-Bernd Schulze-Lutum shared modelling results on the impact of climate change on asparagus production in North Rhine-Westphalia.
During the DGG general assembly, Dr. Christine Schmitz presented her contribution to the 3-MHT (3-Minute Horticultural Thesis) competition and was nominated as the national candidate for the international ISHS selection process for the IHC in Kyoto, Japan, taking place in August.
In addition to the scientific program, coffee breaks, poster sessions, excursions, and evening events offered valuable opportunities to connect with fellow researchers. During the members’ assembly, the DGG confirmed a stable membership of 260 members. The Green Challenge for sustainable basil production was won by the team from HU Berlin.
The conference proceedings are available online: https://dgg-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tagungsband_DGG_BHGL-2026.pdf
We are already looking forward to the 59th Annual Conference, which will be hosted by the HortiBonn team in Bonn from March 3–5, 2027.