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Studienführer

Study guide .

Gartenbauwissenschaften

Horticultural Sciences

Studienführer

Study guide .

Gartenbauwissenschaften


Inhalt/ Contents

Vorwort/ Preface

Was leistet der Gartenbau?/ What does horticulture achieve?

Die Gartenbauwissenschaften/ Horticultural sciences

Gartenbauwissenschaften an der TUM/ Horticultural sciences at TUM

Die TUM, Exzellenz in Forschung und Lehre/ The TUM, excellence in research and education

Das Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan/ The Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan

AnsprechpartnerInnen/ Contacts

Der Bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften/ The bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften

Schwerpunkte des Studiums/ Focus of the program

Studienvoraussetzungen und Bewerbungsmodalitäten/ Requirements for and modes of application

Der Master Horticultural Science/ The master Horticultural Science

Schwerpunkte des Studiums/ Focus of the programme

Partneruniversitäten/ Partner universities

Studienvoraussetzungen und Bewerbungsmodalitäten/ Requirements for and modes of application

Doktoratsstudium an der TUM/ Doctoral studies at TUM

Forschungsgruppen im Gartenbau der TUM/ Research groups active in horticulture at TUM

Externe Dozenten/ External Lecturers

Berufsperspektiven/ Job perspectives

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Contents 2 3

This educational basis is conceived to confer skills

required for positions in the agricultural and horticultural

industry and to prepare for higher-level academic

education in master study programs.

Since the agricultural and horticultural sciences are

closely related, both in terms of their contents and in

regard to their organization, it was a logical step to unit

them in a joined bachelor study course with selectable

modules. However, this re-organization resulted in a

reduced visibility of the horticultural sciences and the

independent educational profile got lost. This makes it

difficult for students to orient themselves in the large

diversity of study courses that are on offer.

In the past years study guides were therefore created by

the student advisory service to provide students with an

overview of how to obtain an educational profile in the

horticultural sciences. What was lacking however was a

study guide, which reflected the concept of the TUMs

education in the horticultural sciences as a whole. This

study guide was now created to mirror the entirety of the

horticultural education at TUM. Starting from the basic

education in the bachelor, followed by the advanced,

scientific education in the master course and concluding

with the perspective for a doctoral degree. In particular it

was also intended to introduce the lecturers in the

programs, which, through their research and educational

activities in the horticultural sciences at TUM, fill the

subject with life.

Important financial contributions, to cover the costs for

printing this brochure, were donations by the following

organizations, which we would like to thank: the former

chair of 'Gemüsebau und Qualität pflanzlicher Nahrung'

(Herrn Prof. Dr. W.H. Schnitzler), the 'Hans Eisenmann-

Zentrum', the 'Vereinigung Weihenstephaner Universitäts-

absolventen', the 'Bayerischer Bauernverband' and the

'Max Schönleutner Gesellschaft'.

We hope that you will feel well informed about the

strengths of the studies of horticultural sciences at TUM

and would be very happy to welcome you as a student!

Preface Vorwort

Dieter Treutter

Preface of the student advisory service

Since university studies for horticultural sciences were

first introduced at the former Agricultural University in

Berlin in 1929, studies of horticultural sciences in

Germany have developed to become an independent

branch of studies. Although related to agriculture, special

features and different thematic foci characterize the

academic education in horticulture.

By legislation of the Bavarian Ministry for Education and

Cultural Affairs a diploma study course for horticultural

sciences was first established at the former Technische

Hochschule München (todays TUM) in 1947. This diploma

study program was reorganized both in terms of its

structure and in terms of its contents when the bachelor

and master system was introduced. The educational

tasks, which are to be fulfilled by the new bachelor

Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (Agrar- und

Gartenbauwissenschaften), are to convey a broad

educational basis in the life sciences and the

socioeconomic sciences. Moreover general founding

principles of plant production, production techniques and

economics are being thought.

4 5

Brigitte Poppenberger

Aufgrund der engen inhaltlichen und auch

organisatorischen Verflechtung mit den Agrar-

wissenschaften war es folgerichtig, beide Studiengänge in

einen gemeinsamen Bachelorstudiengang Agrar- und

Gartenbauwissenschaften mit wählbaren Studien-

richtungen zu vereinen. Dabei ging die Sichtbarkeit der

Gartenbauwissenschaften verloren und das

eigenständige Profil geriet in den Hintergrund. Dieses

erschwerte es den Studierenden, sich im Fächerkanon

zurechtzufinden.

In den vergangenen Jahren wurden deshalb

Studienführer als organisatorische Handreichung des

Studienberaters erstellt, die den interessierten

Studierenden helfen sollte, ein

gartenbauwissenschaftliches Profil zu erwerben. Was uns

dabei allerdings fehlte, war ein Studienführer, der das

Konzept der gartenbauwissenschaftlichen Bildung am

Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan darstellt.

Angefangen von der Grundausbildung im Bachelor-

studiengang über die forschungsorientierte Vertiefung im

Masterstudiengang wurde diese Informationsbroschüre

nun daher konzipiert um die Gesamtheit bis hin zu den

Perspektiven für die Promotion zu umfassen. Im

Besonderen wurde auch versucht die Lehrenden und

wissenschaftlichen Aktiven, die das Fach durch ihr

Bekenntnis zu den Gartenbauwissenschaften an der TUM

lebendig machen, vorzustellen.

Einen nicht unwesentlichen Beitrag bei der Auflage dieses

Studienführers haben unsere finanziellen Unterstützer

geleistet. Wir möchten uns ganz herzlich für Spenden des

ehemaligen Lehrstuhls für Gemüsebau und Qualität

pflanzlicher Nahrung (Herrn Prof. Dr. W.H. Schnitzler),

dem Hans Eisenmann-Zentrum, der Vereinigung

Weihenstephaner Universitätsabsolventen, dem

Bayerischen Bauernverband und der Max Schönleutner

Gesellschaft bedanken, die es uns ermöglichten den

Druck dieser Broschüre zu finanzieren.

Wir hoffen Sie sind nach Lektüre dieser Broschüre über

die Stärken des Studiums der Gartenbauwissenschaften

an der TUM informiert und würden uns sehr freuen Sie als

Studierende bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen!

Vorwort der Studienfachberatung

Seit der Einführung des ersten Hochschulstudiums für

Gartenbau im Jahr 1929 an der damaligen Landwirt-

schaftlichen Hochschule in Berlin gibt es gartenbau-

wissenschaftliche Studiengänge als eigenständige

Disziplin, die zwar sehr verwandt ist mit den

Agrarwissenschaften aber doch Besonderheiten und ganz

andere inhaltliche Schwerpunkte aufweist.

An der Technischen Hochschule München (heute TUM)

wurde durch Erlass des bayerischen Kultusministeriums

im Jahr 1947 der Diplomstudiengang Gartenbau-

wissenschaften ins Leben gerufen. Dieser Diplom-

studiengang wurde mit der Einführung des Bachelor- und

Mastersystems strukturell und inhaltlich grundlegend

umgestaltet. Die vom neuen Bachelorstudiengang zu

erfüllenden Bildungsaufgaben liegen in einer breiten

naturwissenschaftlichen und sozialökonomischen Basis

und in der Unterrichtung der allgemeinen pflanzen-

baulichen und produktionstechnischen sowie der

ökonomischen Grundlagen, die einerseits zur

Berufsbefähigung führen und gleichzeitig auf vertiefende

und forschungsorientierte Masterstudiengänge vorbe-

reiten sollen.

Dieter Treutter Brigitte Poppenberger

Der Gartenbau ist ein wirtschaftlich hoch produktives

Segment der Landwirtschaft, das in seiner

Pflanzenzüchtung und Pflanzenproduktion den Großteil

des vorhandenen Spektrums an Nutz- und Zierpflanzen

züchtet und produziert. Produkte des Gartenbaus, wie

Obst und Gemüse sind essentielle Bestandteile unserer

Ernährung; Zierpflanzen werden zur Verschönerung der

Umgebung eingesetzt und spielen bei gesellschaftlichen

und familiären Ereignissen weltweit wichtige Rollen.

Die Produktion gartenbaulicher Kulturpflanzen ist eine

große Herausforderung, da Produkte des Gartenbaus, in

höherem Maße als pflanzenbauliche Produkte der

Landwirtschaft, nicht nur inneren sondern auch äußeren

Qualitätsansprüchen genügen müssen. Daher sind die

Notwendigkeit der oft punktgenauen Steuerung von

Blütezeitpunkt, Fruchtbesatz und Ertrag und die Kontrolle

des Habitus der Pflanzen in der gartenbaulichen

Pflanzenproduktion von ebenso hoher Relevanz wie

Pflanzenernährung und Pflanzenschutz.

Da ein Großteil der gartenbaulichen Produkte frisch

vermarktet wird, ist eine möglichst lange Haltbarkeit nach

der Ernte, einerseits im Hinblick auf Transport und

Vermarktung, andererseits zum Nutzen des

Konsumenten, sowohl Züchtungsziel als auch Zielsetzung

in der Produktion. Nacherntephysiologie, aber auch

entsprechende Verpackung, geeigneter Transport und

passende Infrastruktur für die Lagerung sind damit

speziell im Gartenbau ein wichtiges Thema. Auch ein

gezieltes Marketing im Absatz der Pflanzen bzw.

pflanzlicher Produkte gewinnen zunehmend an Relevanz.

Der Erwerbsgartenbau produziert eine große Fülle an

verschiedenen Pflanzenarten und lebt von einem reichen

Spektrum an Sorten, die durch Nachfrage der

Konsumenten nach ‚Neuheiten‘ stetig ergänzt werden.

Damit ist die gartenbauliche Pflanzenzüchtung gefordert,

zusätzlich zu wichtigen Züchtungszielen, wie z.B.

Resistenz gegen biotische und abiotische Schadfaktoren,

mit Neuzüchtungen auch Nachfrage bestimmt durch

Modetrends zu befriedigen.

Horticulture

Gartenbaubetriebe sind oft verhältnismäßig klein

strukturiert aber durch eine hohe Flächenproduktivität

gekennzeichnet. Der Gartenbau in Deutschland erzielt auf

ca. 1% der landwirtschaftlichen Nutzfläche jährlich ca.

14% des Wirtschaftsvolumens der gesamten

Landwirtschaft. Die gartenbauliche Pflanzenproduktion

erfolgt dabei in nördlichen Breiten vorwiegend in

Gewächshäusern und ist in Industrieländern durch einem

hohen Personal- und Energieeinsatz gekennzeichnet.

Den steigenden Energiekosten wird mit der Entwicklung

innovativer, energieeffizienter und damit auch

umweltschonender Produktionsweisen begegnet. Auch

Anbaukonzepte welche sich über den Energieeinsatz

hinaus eine ressourcenschonende, nachhaltige

Produktion zum Ziel setzen (biologische bzw. integrierte

Anbaukonzepte), gewinnen im Gartenbau zunehmend an

Bedeutung.

In Schwellen- und Entwicklungsländern erfüllt der

Gartenbau eine essentielle Rolle im Bereitstellen von

vitamin- und mineralstoffreichen Nahrungsmitteln. Ein

Ausbau des Gartenbaus wird deshalb als entscheidende

Maßnahme gesehen, die Ernährungssituation der

Bevölkerung von Entwicklungsländern zu verbessern,

weshalb er durch Organisationen wie WHO und UNO

aktiv gefördert wird.

Der Gartenbau leistet daher einen wesentlichen Anteil an

der Versorgung der Weltbevölkerung mit frischen,

qualitativ hochwertigen Nahrungsmitteln und stellt darüber

hinaus das ganze Spektrum an Zierpflanzen bereit. Er ist

eine zukunftsträchtige Branche mit weltweiter Bedeutung.

Was leistet der Gartenbau ? What does horticulture achieve ?

Horticulture

Horticulture is the science, art and industry of plant

cultivation that is engaged with fruits, berries and nuts,

vegetables, herbs and medicinal plants as well as

ornamentals such as flowers, trees and shrubs.

Horticultural products like fruits and vegetables are an

essential component of the human diet. In addition

horticulture produces ornamental plants, which are grown

for aesthetic and functional value and play important roles

in social events and leisure activities worldwide.

The production of horticultural crops is a large challenge

since they must meet high quality standards both in terms

of product safety and internal characteristics, as well as

also, and more so than agricultural plant products, in

terms of external characteristics. Therefore, in horticulture

the precise control of flowering time, fruit set and of the

overall plants architecture are of equal importance as

plant nutrition and plant protection.

Since a large share of horticultural produce is sold fresh

plant breeding approaches and production strategies aim

to improve postharvest characteristics for the benefit of

consumers, but also to facilitate transport and increase

shelf life. Postharvest physiology, as well as suitable

packaging, specialized logistics and appropriate

infrastructure for storage, are therefore especially in

horticulture important topics. Moreover, since horticultural

products have a high per unit value and underlie short-

term demand changes (e.g. holidays) specific marketing

approaches for horticultural crops and other horticultural

products are required.

Horticulture produces a large diversity of plant species

and thrives of a rich spectrum of varieties, which is

continuously extended to fulfill desires of consumers for

novelties. Therefore plant breeding in horticulture, in

addition to aiming for improving traits such as resistance

against abiotic and biotic stress, also intends to satisfy

demands imposed by fashion trends.

Horticultural enterprises are often relatively small

companies, which are characterized by a high level of

output per area of unit. In Germany horticulture generates

14% of the yearly volume of the agricultural economy

using only 1% of the agricultural area. Plant production in

horticulture in the northern hemisphere often relies on

protected cultivation in greenhouses and in industrialized

countries is characterized by a high demand of energy

and personal. Increasing costs for energy are faced with

developing novel energy efficient and thus environ-

mentally friendly production strategies. But also

production schemes, which aim for resource efficient,

sustainable production methods (such as organic

farming), have gained importance in horticulture.

In developing and low-income countries horticulture plays

a key role in providing the population with nutritious foods,

which is why in such countries the development of

horticulture is actively promoted by organizations such as

the WHO and the UNO.

Therefore, horticulture has a key role to play, in the global

challenge to provide a growing world population with

nutritious food, produced in a sustainable and

environmentally friendly way and moreover produces the

whole spectrum of ornamental plants. It is a profession

with worldwide importance and a promising future.

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Die Gartenbauwissenschaften Horticultural sciences

Die modernen Gartenbauwissenschaften orientieren sich

an den Leitthemen Gesundheit und Nachhaltigkeit. Die

gartenbauwissenschaftliche Forschung bearbeitet

gesellschaftliche Kernthemen wie die Sicherung von guter

und ausreichender Ernährung der Weltbevölkerung bei

einem Bewahren der ökologischen, ökonomischen und

sozialen Lebensräume.

Interdisziplinarität in den Forschungsansätzen findet

zwischen den Naturwissenschaften, dem Ingenieurwesen

sowie den Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften statt.

Aber auch eine zunehmende Spezialisierung der

Forschungsaktivitäten an Standorten, hervorgerufen

durch rasante Fortschritte in Leitdisziplinen wie den

Pflanzenwissenschaften, ist zu beobachten. Dadurch

haben Forschungsstandorte spezifische, standorttypische

Kernkompetenzen entwickelt und bearbeiten Frage-

stellungen in nationalem und internationalem Austausch

und in enger Zusammenarbeit.

8 9

'Health' and 'sustainability' are key subjects of modern

Horticultural Sciences. Horticultural research revolves

around guaranteeing the quality and quantity of food for

the human population worldwide, while simultaneously

protecting ecological, economic and social resources.

Multidisciplinary research between the natural, the

engineering as well as the economic and social sciences

takes place. But also an increasing specialization of

research activities, which is stimulated by rapid progress

and diversification in key disciplines such as the plant

sciences, occurs. In response research centers have

developed specialized site-typical core competences and

address research questions in national and international

exchanges and collaboration.

Das Studium der Gartenbauwissenschaften an der TUM

versteht sich als Spezialstudiengang mit natur-

wissenschaftlichen, technischen und ökonomischen

Schwerpunkten.

Es lehrt Inhalte mit Relevanz für den gesamten Bereich

des Produktionsgartenbaus. Im Besonderen werden

Methoden der Produktion von Pflanzen und pflanzlichen

Nahrungsmitteln vom Reagenzglas bis zum Feld und zum

geschützten Anbau im Gewächshaus und anderen

geschlossenen Systemen behandelt.

Der Themenkomplex angewandte Pflanzenwissen-

schaften ist der Hauptschwerpunkt dieses Studiums. Er

reicht von der klassischen Agrikulturchemie über

Methoden zur Untersuchung molekularer Zusammen-

hänge bis hin zur Gentechnik, Biotechnologie und

Populationsgenetik. Dazu gehören z.B. die biologischen,

genetischen und molekularen Grundlagen des

Wachstums und der Entwicklung von Pflanzen, von

Pflanzenkrankheiten und Wirt-Pathogen-Interaktionen

sowie deren Koevolution. Aber auch Konzepte und

Methoden der Pflanzenzüchtung, der Genese und

Typologie von Böden, Mechanismen des

Nährstofftransports und die Kinetik der Nährstoff-

aufnahme von Pflanzen sowie deren biochemische

Funktionen in der Pflanze werden gelehrt.

Das Studium eröffnet damit den Zugang zum Verständnis

von Stoff- und Energieflüssen in gartenbaulichen Kultur-

systemen und von Einflussfaktoren auf die Qualität

pflanzlicher Erzeugnisse.

Desweiteren erfolgt eine Einführung in volkswirt-

schaftliches Denken und ökonomische Modelle, was das

Verstehen marktwirtschaftlicher Systeme und

unternehmerischen Verhaltens zum Ziel hat. Die

Grundlagen der Betriebswirtschaftslehre werden

vermittelt, wobei der Bogen von der Produktion bis zum

Absatz und Marketing gespannt wird.

7 Horticultural sciences at TUM

Gartenbauwissenschaften an der TUM Horticultural sciences at TUM

10 11

The master studies ‘Horticultural Science’ at TUM are

conceived as a special branch of studies with emphases

in aspects of the natural, technical and economic

sciences.

It teaches contents with relevance for the whole of the

horticultural industry. In particular concepts for the

production of plants and plant-based products from the

test tube to the field and to protected cultivation in

greenhouses, or other closed production systems are

being taught.

The thematic complex of applied plant sciences is the

main focus of this study program. It reaches from the

classical agricultural chemistry, to methods and principles

of investigating the molecular make-up of plant cellular

biological systems, to biotechnology and population

genetics. This covers for example the biological, genetic

and molecular basis of plant growth and development, of

plant disease and plant-pathogen interactions as well as

the understanding of their co-evolution. But also concepts

and methods of plant breeding, of the genesis and

typology of soils, mechanisms of nutrient transport and

kinetics of uptake as well as their biochemical functions in

plants are being taught.

Thereby, the course enables for an understanding of

material and energy flows in horticultural cropping

systems and a perception of external factors that impact

on crop quality.

Moreover, an introduction to economic thinking and

economic models takes place, which intends to make

possible an understanding of the market economy and

behavior of businesses in horticulture. The founding

principles of business management are being taught

ranging from production to marketing and distribution of

products.

Die Technische Universität München (TUM) ist eine der

größten Technischen Hochschulen in Deutschland und

bietet in ihren dreizehn Fakultäten auf vier

Forschungsstandorten in München und Umgebung 156

Studiengänge an. Das Fächerspektrum reicht von den

Natur- und Lebenswissenschaften bis hin zu den

Bildungswissenschaften und bietet den rund 31.000

Studentinnen und Studenten aus dem In- und Ausland ein

vielfältiges Lehrangebot.

Mit dem Konzept „TUM- die unternehmerische Universität“

tritt die TUM als starker und verantwortungsvoller Partner

von Industrie und Gesellschaft auf. Innovative Strategien

wie Interdisziplinarität und Talentförderung fördern

Spitzenleistungen in Forschung und Lehre. Diese

Initiativen wurden durch mehrere Auszeichnungen, wie

durch die Exzellenzinitiativen der Deutschen

Bundesregierung gewürdigt und drücken sich auch in

regelmäßigen Spitzenplatzierungen in Internationalen

Universitätsrankings aus.

www.tum.de

The TUM, excellence in research and education

Die TUM, Exzellenz in Forschung und Lehre The TUM, excellence in research and teaching

12 13

The Technische Universität München (TUM) is one of the

largest technical universities in Germany and offers 156

study programs in its thirteen faculties, which are located

on four campuses in Munich and surroundings. The

course spectrum extends from the natural and life

sciences to the educational sciences and thereby offers a

very large variety of teaching to the TUMs 31.000

students from Germany and abroad.

With the concept 'TUM - the entrepreneurial university' the

TUM has secured its position as a strong and respected

partner for industry and society. Innovative concepts,

interdisciplinarity and the promotion of talent facilitate

success in teaching and research. These initiatives have

received multiple awards, including funding through the

excellence initiatives from the German government, and

have also helped to secure the regular top positions in

international university ranking.

www.tum.de/en/homepage

Am Standort Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan

(WZW) in Freising verbindet die TUM Tradition und

Innovation und nutzt beides zur Bewältigung der

Herausforderungen des 21. Jahrhunderts. Dazu bündelt

sie die ganze Fächervielfalt der Life und Food Sciences.

Moderne Forschungseinrichtungen mit High-Tech-Labors,

Klimakammern und Gewächshäusern sowie neuen

Gebäudekomplexen machen den Campus zu einem der

attraktivsten in Deutschland.

Der besondere Reiz dieses Standortes liegt in der

Verknüpfung von modernem Universitätscampus mit

Großstadtniveau, eingebettet in eine überschaubare

Stadt, die mit ihren Cafes und kulturellen Angeboten von

Studenten geprägt ist. Die direkte Anbindung von Freising

an die nahegelegene Stadt München bietet zusätzlich

viele Möglichkeiten für Aktivitäten neben dem Studium.

Der Campus WZW bietet ein vielfältiges Angebot an

Freizeitgestaltungsmöglichkeiten, eine ausgezeichnete

Infrastruktur und andere Rahmenbedingungen, welche

eine Vereinbarkeit von Studium und Wissenschaft mit

familiärem Engagement fördern sollen.

www.wzw.tum.de

The Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan

Der Campus Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan

The Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan

14 15

At the ‘Centre for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan’

(WZW) in Freising the TUM unites tradition and innovation

to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. For this

purpose the university has joined the whole spectrum of

the life and food sciences at the WZW. Modern research

institutes equipped with high-tech laboratories, plant

growth incubators and greenhouses, and other new

infrastructure, has created one of the most attractive

campuses in Germany.

The location has a very special appeal since the modern

world-class university campus is embedded in a small,

lively, German city that has much to offer to the rich

students community both in terms of social and cultural

activities. The direct train connection of Freising to the

close-by Munich offers students an additional rich supply

of extra curricular activities.

At the WZW numerous possibilities for leisure and

recreational activities exist. Moreover an excellent

infrastructure and other measures of support are available

that are conceived to enable balancing studies or an

academic career with family.

www.wzw.tum.de//index.php?id=2&L=1

Dipl.Ing. agrar Susanne Papaja-Hülsbergen

Room 031, ground floor

Alte Akademie 8

85354 Freising

Email: [email protected]

Phone: + 49 (0) 8161 713753

Office hours: upon appointment

www.agrar.wzw.tum.de

Dr. Sybille Michaelis

FG Obstbau

Dürnast 3

85354 Freising


Phone: + 49 (0) 8161 713433

Office hours: Wed. and Thu., upon appointment

www.hortscience.wzw.tum.de

The Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan The Center for Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan

Dr. Markus Gandorfer

Lehrstuhl Ökonomie des Gartenbaus und

Landchaftsbaus

Alte Akademie 16

85354 Freising


Phone: +49 (0) 8161 713567

Prof. Dr. Brigitte Poppenberger

FG Biotechnologie gartenbaulicher Kulturen

Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1

85354 Freising


Phone: +49 (0) 8161 712401

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dieter Treutter

FG Obstbau

Dürnast 2

85354 Freising


Phone: + 49 (0) 8161 71 3753

AnsprechpartnerInnen Contacts

AnsprechpartnerInnen Contacts

Fachspezifische Studienberatung Gartenbauwissenschaften

Student advisory service Horticultural Science

Allgemeine Studienberatung der Studienfakultät

General study advisory service by the student advisory department

Studienkoordination Master Horticultural Science

Study coordinator Master Horticultural Science

16 17

Der Einstieg in das Studium der Gartenbauwissen-

schaften erfolgt an der TUM mit dem Bachelor-

studiengang Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften.

Die Grundlagenfächer des ersten und zweiten

Studienjahres werden weitgehend fächerübergreifend

studiert. Einige Module umfassen sowohl einen

gemeinsamen Teil für die Fachrichtungen Agrar und

Gartenbau sowie jeweils getrennte fachspezifische

Abschnitte.

Eine Ausrichtung auf die Gartenbauwissenschaften erfolgt

durch Auswahl von Wahlpflichtfächern im ersten und im

zweiten Studienjahr, eine weitergehende Spezialisierung

erfolgt im dritten Studienjahr.

Die Bachelorarbeit soll im 6. Studiensemester angefertigt

werden. Dazu wählt der Studierende aus dem Kreis der

Lehrenden (vorgestellt ab Seite 34) eine(n) BetreuerIn

aus. Nach der Ausgabe des Themas ist die

Bachelorarbeit innerhalb von drei Monaten fertig zu

stellen und wird mit einem Vortrag über deren Inhalte

verteidigt.

Abschluss: Вachelor of Science

The bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften

Der Bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften The bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften

18 19

A first introduction into the studies of Horticultural

Sciences is given at the TUM in the bachelor studies

Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften.

Basic subjects in the first and second year of studies are

held in large parts in a cross-curricula way. Some

modules contain both a common part as well as also

aspects specific for either agriculture or horticulture.

A specialization in horticulture is achieved by choosing

‘Wahlpflichtfächer’ in the first and second year of studies.

In year three a complete specialization in horticulture

takes place.

The bachelor thesis is written in term six. The student

chooses a supervisor among the lecturers of the course

(introduced from page 34) who provides a research

project. The bachelor thesis is to be completed within

three months and is defended with a presentation of its

contents.

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Die Ziele der gartenbauwissenschaftlichen Orientierung

im Bachelor Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften sind

ein Verständnis von kulturtechnischen Prinzipien und

speziellen Faktoren der Ertragsbildung, sowie von

Unternehmensstrukturen, im Gemüsebau, Obstbau und

Zierpflanzenbau, und bei der Produktion von

Sonderkulturen wie Arznei-, Gewürzpflanzen, Tafel- und

Weintrauben.

Die geschützte Produktion unter Glas und Folie, die

geschlossenen Anbausysteme und die dadurch

begründete hohe Flächenproduktivität erfordern ein

fundiertes Verständnis der Pflanzenbiologie, der Ökophy-

siologie von Pflanzen, der verschiedenen Produktions-

systeme, der Verfahrenstechnik, der Heizungs- und

Klimatechnik und ökonomischer Gegebenheiten im

Gartenbau, was in Vorlesungen, Seminaren und Übungen

vermittelt wird.

Gelehrt werden unter anderem Gartenbautechnik,

spezielle Vermehrungsmethoden inklusive der in vitro

Vermehrung, Züchtungsverfahren bei generativ und

vegetativ vermehrbaren gartenbauliche Kulturpflanzen,

die Physiologie der Entwicklung und Ertragsbildung,

Nacherntephysiologie und Lagerung und biologische

Grundlagen der Pflanze-Pathogen Interaktion und des

Pflanzenschutzes.


Schwerpunkte des Studiums Focus of the program

20 21

The aims of the specialization in horticulture in the

bachelor ‘Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften’ are to

achieve an understanding of cultivation measures and

gain insight into factors that determine growth and yield

development of horticultural crops. Also, an understanding

of business structures in the fruit, vegetable and

ornamental plant sectors as well as in the production of

speciality crops such as medicinal plants, spices and

grapes is attained.

Protected cultivation in greenhouses or under foil, closed-

loop cropping systems and a high commitment of human

resources produces high outputs per area unit. For this to

accomplish horticulturalists require an in-depth under-

standing of plant biology, the ecophysiology of plants, of

plant breeding concepts, choices of cropping systems,

mechanized process technologies, greenhouse and

climate control technologies as well as of economic

conditions and developments, which are being taught in

lectures, seminars and practical courses.

Among others horticultural engineering, specialized

propagation techniques including in vitro propagation,

plant breeding approaches, physiology of development

and yield formation of horticultural crops, post harvest

physiology and storage, the biology of plant pathogen

interactions and plant protection are being taught.

Das Bachelorstudium der Agrar- und Gartenbau-

wissenschaften wird im Wintersemester begonnen.

Bewerbungsfrist ist der 15. Juli. Liegen Schulzeugnisse

zu diesem Termin noch nicht vor, können diese

nachgereicht werden.

Ablauf der Bewerbung

Die Bewerbung erfolgt online direkt auf der

TUM homepage. Genaue Informationen finden Sie auf

der Homepage der Studienfakultät Agrar- und

Gartenbauwissenschaften unter


Für das Studium ist in das Bewerbungsverfahren eine

Eignungsfeststellung integriert.Das Ziel dieses

Verfahrens ist, die Eignung der BewerberInnen für den

Studiengang über die schulische Qualifikation hinaus in

einem zwanglosen Gespräch zu ermitteln. Bitte beachten

Sie, dass dafür ein separates Bewerbungsformular

existiert, aus dem die Einzelkriterien zu entnehmen sind.

Eine Benachrichtigung über Ablehnung oder Zulassung

zum Studium erfolgt zeitnah im Anschluss an die

Eignungsfeststellungsgespräche. Die Immatrikulation

erfolgt online.

Studienvoraussetzungen und Bewerbungsmodalitäten

Requirements for and modes of application

22 23

The bachelor studies ‘Agrar- und Gartenbau-

wissenschaften’ are held in German and are started in

winter term. Application deadline is the 15. July. If the

school grade certificates are not available at this point

they can also be handed in later.

Application procedure

The application is completed online directly at the TUM

homepage. Detailed information is available at the

homepage of the student advisory service department

Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften at


The admission procedure contains an interview that

intends to determine the qualification for the course

beyond the educational background. The aim is to verify

the suitability of the applicant for the program in an

informal conversation. Please be aware that a separate

application form exists for this assessment of suitability,

which also explains the criteria.

The information about rejection or acceptance to the

program is provided in a timely fashion following the

interview. The enrolment for the course is then conducted

online.


Der englischsprachige Masterstudiengang Horticultural

Science wird in einem Lehr- und Forschungsnetzwerk aus

fünf europäischen Universitäten angeboten. Er bietet eine

wissenschaftliche und primär forschungsorientierte

Ausbildung für die Gartenbaubranche sowie für deren vor-

und nachgelagerte Bereiche. An der TUM ist dabei im

speziellen der Bereich der angewandten, modernen

Pflanzenwissenschaften in Lehre und Forschung stark

vertreten. Auf Basis pflanzenbiologischer Kenntnisse

werden Studierende in den Bereichen gartenbauliche

Pflanzenzüchtung, Phytopathologie, Pflanzenernährung,

Wachstums- und Ertragsphysiologie, Entwicklungs-

regulation, Biotechnologie sowie Populationsgenetik

ausgebildet.

Eine Besonderheit dieses Studiums ist, dass Studierende

einen Teil ihrer Studienleistung an einer Partneruniversität

erbringen, wo sie aus einem gemeinsam gespeisten,

großen Fächerpool, ohne administrative Hürden,

gartenbauwissenschaftliche Schwerpunkte, individuell

nach ihren Interessen wählen können. Damit eröffnet sich

die Möglichkeit einer Spezialisierung in allen

gartenbaulichen Sonderkulturen, wie Gemüse-, Obst-,

Zierpflanzen-, Weinbau, Arznei-, Gewürzpflanzen sowie in

den übergeordneten Bereichen Gartenbauökonomie,

Produktionstechnologie, Ökophysiologie, Produktqualität

sowie Pflanzenzüchtung.

In 2008 erhielt der Master Horticultural Science den

Erasmus Mundus Preis der Europäischen Union. Diese

Auszeichnung wird an internationale Masterstudien-

programme vergeben welche die Qualität der

europäischen Universitätsausbildung erhöhen und

darüber hinaus interkulturellen Austausch fördern.

Abschluss: Master of Science

Der Master Horticultural Science The master Horticultural Science

24 25 The master Horticultural Science

The Master course Horticultural Science is held in English

and is carried out by a teaching and research consortium

composed of five European universities. It offers a

scientific and primarily research-oriented training for the

horticultural industry and its upstream and downstream

sectors. At TUM in particular the thematic complex of

applied, modern plant sciences is strongly represented in

research and teaching. Based on the current

understanding of plant biological principles students are

educated in the areas of plant breeding, phytopathology,

plant nutrition, growth and yield physiology, plant growth

regulation, plant biochemistry, plant biotechnology and

population genetics.

The course has a unique structure since students perform

part of their training at a partner university abroad. This

enables them to freely select courses out of a large

course pool assembled by all partners and thereby

specialize in a multitude of different areas of horticulture

including all major horticultural crop classes (vegetables,

fruits, ornamental plants, grapes, medicinal plants and

herbs) as well as in higher-level areas such as

horticultural economics, production technologies,

ecophysiology, product quality or plant breeding.

In 2008 the master Horticultural Science received the

Erasmus Mundus award of the European Union. This title

is awarded to international master degree programs,

which raise the quality of European university education

and moreover also promote intercultural exchange.

Degree: Master of Science

23

Das Bildungsziel des Masterstudiengangs Horticultural

Science ist im Sinne der akademischen Lehre

Forschungskompetenz, Fachwissen, sowie das Erlernen

des versierten Umgangs mit für den Gartenbau

relevanten, etablierten und vor allem auch neuen

wissenschaftlichen Methoden.

Das erste Semester wird an allen Partneruniversitäten mit

einem vergleichbaren Lehrangebot ausgerichtet, um für

Studierende eine einheitliche Wissensgrundlage für die

folgenden Semester zu schaffen. Es bildet an der TUM in

den Themenschwerpunkten Ecophysiology, Crop

Physiology, Crop Quality, Crop Biotechnology und

Research Project Management in der Ökonomie aus. In

den Semestern zwei und drei wählen Studierende aus

einem von allen Partnern gespeisten Lehrveranstaltungs-

pool entsprechend der gewünschten beruflichen

Ausrichtung, wobei ein Teil der Vorlesungen (mindestens

30 ECTS) an einer Partneruniversität absolviert werden

soll. An der TUM ist dabei eine Vertiefung besonders in

den Bereichen molekulare Pflanzenwissenschaften,

Biotechnologie und Populationsgenetik mit

gartenbaulicher Relevanz, Phytopathologie und Pflanze-

Pathogen Interaktionen, Biologie, Biotechnologie und

Analytik von Sekundärmetaboliten in Obst und Gemüse

sowie Personalmanagement im Gartenbau möglich.

Das vierte Semester ist der Durchführung der

Masterarbeit vorbehalten. Parallel ist ein Seminar zum

Thema Forschungsmanagement verpflichtend. Die

Masterarbeit soll experimentelle und analytische

Aufgaben enthalten und das professionelle Profil

schärfen. Durch ihre Spitzenforschung mit inter-

nationalem Renommee bietet sich an der TUM ein reiches

Angebot an Möglichkeiten für wissenschaftliche Arbeiten

auf dem Bachelor-, Master- und dem Doktoratsniveau.

Ihre Forschungs- und Lehrschwerpunkte und eine

aktuelle Auswahl an Möglichkeiten für wissenschaftliche

Arbeiten für Studierende stellen die Dozenten der

Gartenbauwissenschaften in diesem Studienführer ab

Seite 34 vor. Die Arbeit wird von einem Dozenten einer

Partneruniversität mitbetreut.

Schwerpunkte des Studiums Focus of the program

26 27 The master Horticultural Science

The purpose of education in the master Horticultural

Science is, in agreement with academic teaching

objectives, to develop research competence, build up

specialized knowledge and teach the use of established

and more importantly also new scientific methods of

relevance for horticulture.

The first term is offered in all participating universities with

similar teaching contents to provide students with an

analogous educational basis. At TUM this compulsory

core curriculum is composed of the introductory lectures

Ecophysiology, Crop Physiology, Crop Quality, Crop

Biotechnology und Research Project Management in

Economics. In terms two and three students choose from

a course pool, which is assembled by all partners,

according to their anticipated professional orientation,

whereby part of the courses (at least 30 ECTS) shall be

completed at a partner institution. At TUM it is in particular

possible to specialize in the areas of molecular plant

sciences, biotechnology and population genetics with

relevance for horticulture, phytopathology and plant-

pathogen interactions, biology, biotechnology and

analytical chemistry of secondary metabolites of fruits and

vegetable crops and human resource management in

horticulture.

Term four is a research semester in which students

complete their master thesis. A parallel course in research

management is compulsory. The thesis shall include

experimental and analytical aspects and refines the

students' professional profile. Due to its scientific

excellence with international reputation, the TUM offers a

rich spectrum of possibilities for thesis projects at the

bachelor, master or Ph.D. level. The lecturers of the

Horticultural Sciences introduce their research and

teaching interests and a selection of current options for

thesis projects from page 34. The thesis is co-supervised

by a lecturer of one of the partner universities.

University of Renewable Resources and Applied

Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria

The BOKU puts emphasis on exploring, exploiting and

conserving renewable resources. The university promotes

a diversity of disciplines that work to secure the basis for

life of future generations. Research with practical

relevance and ecological research concepts, inter-

nationality and interdisciplinarity are important founding

principles of the BOKUs modern education.

Major research topics in horticulture are holistic methods

in horticultural crop production (ecological production

systems) and clonal genomics and quality management in

viticulture.

www.boku.ac.at

University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

The ‘University of Bologna’ is one of the oldest

universities in the world, but at the same time offers one

of the most up to date plant research facilities in Europe.

The newly established 'College of Agriculture' is located in

these research facilities. Main topics of the institution are

fruit production and viticulture with special emphases on

ecophysiology and plant breeding. The university’s

research intends to unite traditional knowledge with the

latest insights of plant molecular biology.

Research foci are the physiology of growth regulation and

plant hormones in fruit trees and quality and research in

abiotic and biotic stress resistance in fruit production.

www.unibo.it

Universität für Bodenkultur, Wien, Österreich

Die Universität für Bodenkultur in Wien setzt auf

Erforschung erneuerbarer Ressourcen. Dabei wird Wert

auf eine Vielfalt an Fachgebieten gelegt, um zur

Sicherung der Lebensgrundlage zukünftiger Generationen

beizutragen. Praxisrelevante und ökologische

Forschungsansätze, Internationalität und Inter-

disziplinarität stellen dabei wichtige Grundlagen für die

moderne Ausbildung dar. Forschungsschwerpunkte im Gartenbau an der BOKU

sind ganzheitliche Methoden im Obst- und Gartenbau

(ökologische Anbausysteme) und klonale Genomik und

Stressresistenzforschung und -züchtung im Weinbau.

www.boku.ac.at

Universität von Bologna, Bologna, Italien

Die Universität von Bologna ist eine der ältesten

Universitäten der Welt und bietet gleichzeitig im Bereich

der Pflanzenwissenschaften eine der modernsten

Versuchsanlagen Europas. Das neue "College of

Agriculture" ist unmittelbar in die Versuchsflächen

integriert. Ein Schwerpunkt dieser Einrichtung liegt im

Obst- bzw. Weinbau mit einer Spezialisierung in Richtung

Ökophysiologie und Züchtung. Die Universität verknüpft

dabei traditionelles Wissen mit modernsten Kenntnissen

der Molekularbiologie.

Forschungsschwerpunkte sind die Physiologie von

Wachstumsregulatoren und Hormonen in Obstgehölzen,

Qualitätsevaluierung und abiotische und biotische

Stressresistenzforschung im Obstbau.

www.unibo.it

Partneruniversitäten

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Deutschland

Universitäten in aller Welt orientieren sich an dem von

Humboldt geprägten Ideal der Einheit von Forschung

und Lehre. Hierzu gehören die Weitergabe von Wissen

aus dem Geist der Forschung und die Idee der

forschenden Lehre. Die landwirtschaftlich-gärtnerische

Fakultät sieht sich dieser Tradition verpflichtet und

arbeitet eng mit Forschungseinrichtungen zusammen.

Neben einer breit gefächerten und interdisziplinären

Lehre liegen die Forschungschwerpunkte an der

Humboldt in den Bereichen urbaner Gartenbau,

Qualitätsmanagment und Biosystemtechnik.

www.hu-berlin.de

Corvinus Universität Budapest, Ungarn

Die gartenbauliche Fakultät der Corvinus Universität

Budapest wurde 1853 gegründet und war die erste

Institution in Ungarn, die eine Ausbildung im Gartenbau

anbot. Heute werden an der Corvinus jährlich 2.000

Studierende in den Gartenbauwissenschaften

ausgebildet, wobei ein Schwerpunkt im nachhaltigen

Gartenbau liegt. Es wird sowohl Wert auf eine solide

Grundlagenvermittlung als auch auf Anwendungsnähe

gelegt.

Forschungsschwerpunkte sind genetische

Diversitätsforschung, Pflanzenzüchtung besonders auch

im Bereich der Heil- und Gewürzkräuter und ökologische

Anbaukonzepte im Gartenbau.

www.uni-corvinus.hu

Partner universities

28 29 The master Horticultural Science The master Horticultural Science

Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany

Humboldts ideal of the unity of research and teaching

has become a model for universities all over the world.

Central to this model is the idea of research-oriented

teaching and the transfer of knowledge based on

research. The Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture is

dedicated to this principle and cooperates closely with

research centers. In addition to a broad range of

interdisciplinary courses, it focuses mainly on urban

horticulture, food quality management and biosystem

technologies.

www.hu-berlin.de

Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary

The horticultural faculty of the Corvinus University in

Budapest was founded in 1853 and was the first

institution in Hungary, which offered an education in

horticulture. Today the Corvinus educates 2.000

students in horticulture each year whereby an emphasis

is placed on sustainable horticulture. In teaching the

horticultural staff at Corvinus aims to pass on a solid

foundation of basic knowledge as well as also to teach

contents with relevance for practical applications.

Research foci are plant genetic resources and plant

breeding especially with medicinal plants and herbs and

ecological plant production schemes.

www.uni-corvinus.hu

Eine Qualifikation für den Masterstudiengang ist gegeben,

wenn an einer inländischen oder ausländischen

Universität oder Fachhochschule ein über-

durchschnittlicher Bachelorabschluss bzw. Fachhoch-

schul Diplomabschluss (Note "gut"; ≤ 2,5) in einem den

"Life Sciences" zurechenbaren Studiengang erlangt

wurde. Zu diesen qualifizierenden Studiengängen zählen

insbesondere die Gartenbau- und/oder Agrar-

wissenschaften, die Umweltwissenschaften, die Forst-

wissenschaften, die Biologie und die Molekulare

Biotechnologie. Ist diese Qualifikation gegeben wird ein

Verfahren zur Eignungsfeststellung für den

Masterstudiengang durchgeführt.

Wenn die Bewerbung für den Masterstudiengang

akzeptiert wird, bekommt der Bewerber eine Einladung zu

einem Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren (Mitte Juli bzw.

Mitte Februar jeden Jahres). Die Eignungsparameter

sind dabei der sichere Umgang mit

naturwissenschaftlichen Grundlagen, umfassende

Vorkenntnisse aus dem Bereich der

Pflanzenwissenschaften bzw. der Biologie, die Eignung

zur systematischen Bearbeitung wissen-schaftlicher

Fragestellungen und ausreichende Sprach-kenntnisse in

Englisch (dokumentiert z.B. durch ein Ergebnis von mind.

6,5 im IELTS Test oder das Ansolvieren von

Lehrveranstaltungen in englischer Sprache im Ausmass

von mind. 15 ECTS im vorausgegangenem Studium).

Das Studium kann im Wintersemester (Bewerbung zum

31.12.) oder im Sommersemester (Bewerbung zum

31.05.) begonnen werden. Zur Anmeldung wird das

Abschlusszeugnis des Bachelorstudiengangs noch nicht

benötigt!

Eventuelle Studiengebühren werden nur an der

Heimatuniversität fällig. An den Partneruniversität können

gegebenenfalls Einschreibegebühren anfallen.

Die Anmeldung erfolgt online unter


Studienvoraussetzungen und Bewerbungsmodalitäten

Requirements for and modes of application

30 31

A qualification for the master program is given if a

Bachelor of Science degree has been completed above

average (degree average: ≤ 2,5) at a university or a

technical college (Fachhochschule), in a study program

belonging to the Life Sciences, either in Germany or

abroad. Such qualifying study programs are for example

Horticultural and/or Agricultural Sciences, Environmental

Sciences, Forestry, Biology and Molecular Biotechnology.

If this qualification is given students may apply and an

admission procedure is initiated.

The admission procedure contains an interview that

intends to determine the qualification for the course

beyond the educational qualification (interviews are being

held in February or July resp.). The aim is to verify the

suitability of the applicant for the program in an informal

conversation. Criteria for acceptance are a profound basic

knowledge of the natural sciences, an advanced under-

standing of the plant sciences, an ability to work scien-

tifically and a sufficient knowledge of the English

language (documented by e.g. a score of at least 6,5 in

the IELTS test or the completion of lectures worth at least

15 ECTS in English during prior studies). The information

about rejection or acceptance to the program is provided

in a timely fashion following the interview.

The master program can be started in either winter term

(application deadline: 31.05.) or summer term (application

deadline: 31.12.). For application the degree certificate of

the bachelor degree is not a prerequisite (but can also be

handed in later).

Possible study fees are only applicable at the home

university. At the partner university enrollment fees only

can arise.

The application is performed online at


The master Horticultural Science

Promotion an der TUM Obtaining a doctorate from TUM

Eine Promotion nach dem Masterabschluss eröffnet

Wege in eine wissenschaftliche Karriere. Sie dient dem

Nachweis der Befähigung zu vertiefter wissenschaftlicher

Arbeit und beruht auf der Verfassung einer Dissertation

und einer mündlichen Prüfung.

Voraussetzung für eine Promotion an der TUM ist, dass

das Studium (Master, Diplom oder vergleichbar) mit

überdurchschnittlichen Leistungen abgeschlossen wurde

(mindestens Note 2,5; dies gilt ebenfalls für ausländische

BewerberInnen). Bei ausländischen KandidatInnen kann

eine Prüfung auf Gleichwertigkeit des Studienabschlusses

notwendig sein.

Im Bereich der gartenbauwissenschaftlichen Forschung

kann an der TUM, je nach Ausrichtung der Arbeit, eine

Promotion in den Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften

(Dr. agr.) oder in den Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer nat.)

erfolgen. Zulassungsprozedere und andere Informationen

finden sich unter:

http://www.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=31

32 33 Doctorate studies at TUM

A doctorate (equivalent to a Ph.D.) following a master

degree paves the way for a career in science. It

documents the ability of in-depth scientific work and is

based on the composition of a written doctoral thesis and

an oral examination.

A prerequisite for a doctorate at TUM is that master

studies (or equivalent) have been completed with an

above average score (of ≤ 2,5; also for foreign students).

In case of foreign applicants an assessment of

equivalence of the degree may be required.

In the area of horticultural sciences, depending on the

nature of the scientific contents and experimental design

of the work, a doctorate can be received either in the

agricultural and horticultural sciences (Dr. agr.) or in the

life sciences (Dr. rer. nat.). Application procedures and

other information is available at:

http://www.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=31

Research

Economics and management are about choices in a world

of multiple alternatives and scarce resources. Accordingly,

we analyze questions of management tasks and

economic choices within horticulture, landscaping, and

the broader frame of agriculture and societal institutions.

We also want to contribute to innovative thinking and new

alternative approaches to current challenges. We care

about developing actionable knowledge rooted in rigorous

and authentic scientific research to be of use to industry

actors and stakeholders. Our methodological spectrum

ranges from qualitative through quantitative approaches.

Prof. Dr. Vera Bitsch research topics include

sustainability and its measurement and evaluation in the

value chain, human resource management, strategic

management and institutional development, as well as

management competencies and organization. In her

research, she works mostly with qualitative approaches

and case studies, where she also contributes to method

development.

Dr. Markus Gandorfers’ research is focused on bio-

economic and risk modeling. His core research areas

include risk management in horticulture and agriculture,

climate change (impact assessment, mitigation, and

adaptation), technology assessment (precision

agriculture/horticulture technologies) and renewable

resources (bioenergy).

Dr. Conny Köbel is working on software-supported

decision processes in enterprises, farm cost accounting,

controlling, and software-supported sector analysis.

Stefan Mair is focusing on issues of business

management, decision making processes, and innovation,

as well as change management where he applies

qualitative research methods within the grounded theory

approach.

Teaching

We care about supporting and mentoring students. To

inspire them to work on horticultural and agricultural

economics issues, and their commitment to conscientious

and rigorous work are our goals.

We teach courses that cover a wide range of subjects in

management and organization, including human

resources, controlling, risk management, as well as

research methodology. Students from different

educational levels (BS, MS, and doctorate) can select a

research topic from a across a spectrum of interesting

themes in horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping.

Please review our webpage for more information on

currently available topics. The listed topics are open for

modification. Of course, students can also submit their

own ideas and projects.

Contact Information

Chair Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping TU München Weihenstephan

Alte Akademie 16 85354 Freising

Phone: +49 8161 71-2532


www.oekglb.wzw.tum.de

Economics of Horticulture and Landscaping

Vera Bitsch

34 35 Research groups active in horticulture at TUM

Johanna Graßmann

Research

The investigation of complex mixtures from different

sources has gained increasing interest during the last

years, on the one hand to identify the composition of

those mixtures and on the other hand to assess

components possessing biofunctionality.

Our research groups for this reasons deals with the

investigation of diverse complex mixtures and matrices,

e.g. environmental samples, plant extracts or food and

beverage samples. The research focus thereby is on the

one hand to analyse those mixtures regarding their

composition. For this purpose we utilize diverse LC-(RP,

HILIC, LC-LC)-MS applications. An example for our

research in this field is the assessment of previously

unknown anthropogenic trace contaminants in aquatic

systems (Project RiskIdent).

On the other hand we investigate such diverse mixtures

regarding their biofunctionality. To this end we develop

and adapt enzymatic assays to enable their mass

spectrometric detection and couple them to LC-

separation. In those coupled assays the influence of

components of complex mixtures on enzymatic activity

can be investigated. For example in recent time we

investigated extracts from house dust on possibly

contained myktoxines (Project Mikroenzymassay).

Besides conventional laboratory equipment we utilize

different HPLC systems with mass spectrometric and also

DAD detection. Depending on the respective issue

different types of mass spectrometers are available like

Quadrupol, Ion trap and Time of flight.

Teaching

We are involved in diverse lectures and practical courses

for students at the TUM. Main topics are secondary plant

metabolites and their relevance for plants and humans.

Our lectures moreover cover diverse analytical topics, like

analysis of secondary plant metabolites or analysis of

biomolecules, including proteomics.

Topics for bachelor and master thesis are available with

analytical or functional focus.

The CHEMLAB Transfer-of-Innovation project aims at

providing and fostering an "European Quality Standard in

Analytical Vocational Education" for young apprentices in

non-academic chemical training on-the-job. Additionally

we offer basic and advanced education in analytical

chemistry for academic and non-academic staff.

Contact Information

PD Dr. Thomas Letzel

PD Dr. Johanna Graßmann

Analytical Research Group at the

Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering

TUM

Am Coulombwall

85748 Garching

Phone: +49 (0) 89 289 13709 or +49 (0) 89 289 13780

Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]

www.afg.wzw.tum.de

www.wga.bv.tum.de

www.sww.bgu.tum.de

Analytical screening of complex mixtures regarding composition and functionality


Ruth Habegger

Research

Secondary plant metabolites with special effect on quality

of food stuffs are investigated for their biosynthesis and

metabolism in plants and fruits with the goal of

biotechnical production of natural compounds. In the

context of molecular and biochemical characterization of

enzymes related to biosynthesis of secondary plant

metabolites the biological functions are investigated

amongst others under controlled environmental conditions

by in-vitro cultivation of plants. For example, effects of

changes in the concentration of macroelements and

microelements as plant nutrition supply on genetically

modified strawberry plants are tested in-vitro under

controlled environmental conditions. Infections of in-vitro

strawberry plants by different fungus diseases are

investigated with the focus on changes in the activity of

selected enzymes.

Teaching

There is an offer of teaching in basics of Horticultural

Science, focused on vegetables. The cultivation of

vegetable crops in greenhouses and open fields will be

shown connected with effects of environment, cultivation

technique, supply with nutrients, for example. The main

topic of Horticultural Production Physiology is the

developmental biology of vegetable crops including seed

physiology. To keep external and internal quality of

harvested vegetables is the goal of Postharvest

Physiology.

Courses in master programs include lectures in Crop

Quality (basics of quality control and assurance), Crop

Physiology (growth and development of some selective

vegetables) and Ecophysiology and Crop Quality (genetic

and environmental control of vegetal crops). The influence

of endo- and exogenous factors on quality parameters

related to aroma of vegetables and special extraction and

analysis methods for aroma compounds will be presented.

Topics for Bachelor and Master theses are available in (1)

vegetable crop management and (2) in-vitro cultivation of

plants according to prior agreement.

Contact Information

Dr. Ruth Habegger

Biotechnology of Natural Products

Technische Universität München

Liesel-Beckmann-Straße 1

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 8161 713429


www.bina.wzw.tum.de

Biological functions of secondary plant metabolites


Research

Plant Immunity is the basis of sustainable production of

healthy plants as food or feed. By contrast, successful

plant pathogens threaten the quantity and quality of yield

in agricultural and horticultural plant production. The

understanding is still patchy of the molecular basis of

plant resistance or susceptibility to diseases caused by

microbial pathogens. A detailed knowledge on the

genetics and molecular cell biology of plant immunity is,

however, the prerequisite for future targeted breeding and

biotechnology for a resource-reserving plant production.

We aim at a detailed understanding of plant immunity and

of how successful microbial pathogens overcome

immunity and cause disease. We particularly study cell-

wall associated plant defense mechanisms and

programmed cell death and at the level of molecular cell

biology. We identified signal transduction processes and

biochemical mechanisms influencing the host

cytoskeleton to be pivotal for both basal resistance and

susceptibility to fungal invasion into host cells. We further

identified molecular mechanisms that are crucial for

induction of prevention of host programmed cell death,

which is decisive for resistance or susceptibility to fungal

pathogens depending on their trophic livestyle.

We use and develop cutting edge technology to deepen

our understanding of host cellular defense and the way

pathogen effector molecules interfere with it. This involves

transcriptomics, biochemistry and live cell imaging

techniques, which we integrate to reach a comprehensive

understanding and visualization of how plant cells function

in interaction with microbial pathogens.

Ralph Hückelhoven

Teaching

We offer teaching in the areas of plant immunity, host-

parasite interactions, genetics and biotechnology in plant

protection, plant biotic stress physiology, molecular cell

biology and plant metabolism.

Currently available topics for bachelor, master and

doctoral theses include (1) analyzing the function of host

and pathogen effectors acting on the plant microtubule

cytoskeleton, (2) live cell imaging of cytoskeleton and

membrane dynamics in host-parasite interactions, (3)

genetics and biochemistry of plant factors regulating

programmed cell death under biotic stress,(4)

investigating the role of reactive oxygen species in

reprogramming host carbohydrate metabolism in a

compatible pathogen interaction (5) understanding

recessively inherited disease resistance to powdery

mildew pathogens.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Ralph Hückelhoven

Chair Phytopathology

TU München - Weihenstephan

Emil-Ramann Str. 2

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 3682


www.wzw.tum.de/pp

Understanding plant disease and immunity


Research groups active in horticulture at TUM

Research

Ongoing research in the Horticultural Engineering group is

dealing with the aspects of energy consumption and

energy saving in protected cultivation, climate control and

optimization of production processes in greenhouses,

influence of light quality on crop morphology and in a wide

range on the documentation and evaluation of

horticultural production processes (determination of

carbon foot.

At the moment the main project is the ZINEG project, a

Germany wide cooperative project on highly insulated

greenhouses with non fossil heating systems. The focus

at TUM has been set on minimizing heat demand and

supplying the greenhouses for vegetable production

under glass with CO2-neutral energy. A double-layer film

roof cover in combination with thermal screens is installed

to maximize the thermal insulation. The remaining energy

demand is to be covered by a boiler for different (wood-)

heating materials (various pellets, wood chips, waste

materials). For compensation and decoupling of the boiler

and removal performance, the boiler works independently

from the current heat demand towards an energy storage,

from which, if necessary, the heat can be extracted. The

boiler and the storage quantity of energy is planned by a

storage management according to the expected energy

consumption. The management strategy is one of the

research questions.

Another focus is set on developing an automated

documentation and evaluation procedure of the ongoing

production process. The systems is designed in a way,

that the grower himself has to carry out only minor inputs

and the main inputs come from the ‘normal’ control

computer, Thus it is possible to gain the necessary data

for describing the production footprints in a reliable and

labor effective way.

Teaching

Teaching on the Bachelor level starts with the brief

description and discussion on the essential growth factors

in protected and open field production systems followed

by the basics of open field and greenhouse technology. In

the second step follow the basics of energy transfer and

energy conservation, the principles of the use of different

alternative energy resources like wind and solar energy,

geothermal energy or use of reject heat for greenhouse

heating. The third step is dedicated to the exemplary

application of the gained knowledge to scientific questions

e.g. evaluation of new specific greenhouse constructions.

On the Masters level teaching is more dedicated to

scientific methods like calculation and modeling of

horticultural systems. All students are asked to work

independently with specifically prepared energy transfer

modeling programs, carry out a systems analysis

following the specific rules of procedure and finally to

carry out a feasibility study on the use of alternative

energy resources (adapted to the local preferences).

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Joachim Meyer

Technik im Gartenbau


Dürnast 4

85354 Freising


www.wzw.tum.de/gartentech

Specific field of Horticultural Engineering

42 43

Research

New varieties are the most important innovations for the

fruit industry. They help to overcome problems associated

with diseases. In order to be successful the new fruit

varieties have to fulfill the high demands important for

growers, traders and consumers.

One of our main research topics is the breeding for new

varieties and rootstocks in European plum (Prunus

domestica L.). A devastating disease caused by the

Sharka virus provokes high economic losses in the

production of European plum, apricot and peach in

Europe. The Sharka disease is transmitted by aphids and

by grafting. In European plum (Prunus domestica L.) a

resistance against the viral disease based on a

hypersensitive response to viral infection is known. Our

breeding aim is to obtain European plum varieties with

complete resistance to the Sharka virus. Therefore, we

need to understand the genetic background of the

resistance.

For the selection on disease resistance in fruit breeding,

reliable and easily applicable pathogen detection systems

are essential. We are developing systems for the

detection of pathogen DNA or RNA by isothermal

amplification methods which are sensitive, cost-effective

and allow a high throughput. These tests are an integral

part of selection systems which are developed for

resistance to Sharka disease (European plum) and pear

decline (pear).

Michael Neumüller

Teaching

The aim of our lectures, seminars and workshops is to

educate students in the biological and physiological

principles of fruit growing with special reference to

temperate zone tree fruit production. This includes plant

propagation, management of tree growth, development

and fruit load, ecophysiological aspects, disease and pest

management, fruit quality, fruit breeding and functional

anatomy of fruit plants.

We aim at stimulating the curiosity of our students for the

functionality of fruit crops and of orchard systems and we

teach them scientific approach to practical problems by

integrating basic and applied knowledge, methods and

experience.


doctoral theses include the developing of crossing

techniques and of selection tools in fruit breeding, looking

for pathogen resistance in fruit gene bank accessions and

establishing detection systems for plant pathogens for

selection purposes and for testing of plant material in

vegetatively propagated horticultural and agricultural

crops..

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Neumüller

Fruit Science


Dürnast 2

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 3238


www.wzw.tum.de/ob

Fruit breeding


Research

Plant growth and development is regulated by the

coordinated interaction of a multitude of plant hormones

that act to integrate endogenous developmental

programmes with stimuli perceived from the environment.

One class of plant hormones are the brassinosteroids

(BRs), steroid hormones similar in their structure to steroid

hormones of mammals and insects, that are essential for

cell division, differentiation and elongation. The BRs act

as master regulators of developmentall programs

including germination, shoot and root growth, flowering,

fruit development and senescence. Moreover BRs are

thought to confer abiotic and biotic stress resistance.

We aim to elucidate the function of BRs in plants and are

in particular also interested in the molecular mechanisms,

which regulate levels of bioactive BRs - a homeostasis -

to confer their effects. In this context we are

characterizing proteins that regulate BR production and

analyze the significance of catabolic inactivation in the

regulation of BR homeostasis. Moreover we try to

understand which internal and external stimuli impact on

BR levels and/or BR responses (crosstalk with other

signaling pathways) and how alterations in BR

concentrations affect plant growth and development.

Our institute uses cutting edge research technology in

molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, plant

physiology and cell biology in both model plants and

horticultural crops (such as tomato). We aim to improve

our understanding of the biological mechanisms, which

underlie growth regulation in plants, and make this

knowledge applicable for the breeding and production of

horticultural crops. Moreover we develop chemical

inhibitors which alter BR action in plants for an application

in research and as plant growth regulators in horticulture

and agriculture.


Teaching

We offer teaching in plant molecular biology, plant

biotechnology and plant growth regulation. Course include

lectures in Crop Biotechnology and Plant Growth

Regulation, Practical Courses in Biotechnology of

Horticultural Crops and Research Projects in

Biotechnology of Horticultural Crops and Plant Growth

Regulation.


doctoral thesis include (1) analyzing proteins involved in

the regulation of cellular BR concentrations, (2)

investigating BR cross-talk with other classes of plant

hormones, (3) assessing the impact of light on BR action

and thus the regulation of plant growth, (4) investigating

the role of BRs in cold stress responses of arabidopsis

and tomato and (5) investigating the impact of light quality

and temperature on the control of vegetative and

generative development of tomato.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Brigitte Poppenberger

Biotechnology of Horticultural Crops



85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 713401


www.bgk.wzw.tum.de

Elucidating mechanisms which regulate plant growth


Research

At the Gewächshauslaborzentrum (GHL-Dürnast) we offer

coaching research-groups, academics and students

performing experiments with plants in outdoor,

greenhouse, climatic chambers and in vitro culture

systems. The facilities enable research on different

hypotheses relating to climate and light conditions, water

and nutrient supply of plants, ecophysiological processes,

in diverse model systems.

The propagation of plants is the basis of all plant

treatments and production. Vegetative propagation

methods such as grafting are likewise important in

ornamental and fruit trees, as well as in vegetable plants.

Additional to traditional propagation methods plant tissue

culture plays a very important role for horticulture crops

such as for the propagation of ornamental plants and fruit

trees, but it is also essential for modern plant breeding

and thereby for vegetables and agricultural crops, too.

Micropropagation is used for multiplication of plant clones

which are difficult to propagate by other methods. It is

used for improving multiplication rates, for setting of virus

free and healthy plants or mother plant populations, for

conserving of rare, endangered plant species or precious

breeding clones. Embryo Rescue is a valuable technique

for propagating seedlings resulting from crossings of

distantly related species which would otherwise be letal.

Callus- and cell- suspension-cultures are useful tools for

producing and propagating genetically modified plants.

Screening of cells for advantageous characters (e.g.

resistance/tolerance against pathogens, drought stress,

herbicide) is sometimes more convenient than using fully

developed plants. For changing the ploidy status of

plants (e.g. production of haploids or dihaploids) the

regeneration of callus derived from pollen, ovules, or

protoplasts can be used. Phytopharma-ceuticals and

valuable plant metabolites can be produced by large-

scale growth of plant cells in bioreactors.

Susanne Rühmann

Teaching

We provide practical training in tissue culture and

biotechnology including different methods of plant

propagation and diverse in vitro-techniques such as

callus- and cell-suspension culture. The development of

optimized culture media depending on the aimed effects

(propagation, rooting, embryogenesis, ..) is the basis of

working with tissue culture. We use the different model

systems (greenhouse, climate chamber, tissue culture,..),

for studying the interaction between endogenous and

exogenous influence factors like phytohormones,

nutrients, climate condition, light, ... on plant growth and

development as well as on interactions between plants

and pathogens. Furthermore we use diverse model

systems for scientific questions concerning secondary

metabolism in a wide range of plants. For elucidation

diverse functions of secondary metabolites we identify

and quantify constitutive and inducible polyphenols.

Contact Information

Dr. Susanne Rühmann

Fruit Science / Gewächshauslaborzentrum Dürnast


Dürnast 2

85354 Freising

Phone (Obstbau): +49 (0) 8161 71 3129

Phone (GHL): +49 (0) 8161 71 5020

Email: susanne.rü[email protected]

www.wzw.tum.de/ob

Plant propagation and tissue culture


Research

The globally growing demand for food and agricultural

non-food products has made the genetic improvement of

crops a major task of plant research. To meet the

challenges of the future, optimization of crop yields and

adaptation of plants to changing climatic conditions are

crucial and call for intensive technological developments.

The innovative power of plant breeding contributes to all

parts of the agricultural value chain, from characterizing

and utilizing genetic resources to providing sufficient

amounts of high-quality products in the areas of food,

feed, fuel and fiber.

Research at the Chair of Plant Breeding is dedicated to

the quantitative genetic analysis of important traits of our

crops such as yield, resource efficiency and adaptation of

plants. We employ high-density genotyping and next-

generation sequencing technologies and efficient

phenotyping to characterize native biodiversity, elucidate

its functional characteristics and explain genetic

phenomena such as heterosis and genotype-by-

environment interactions. We are working on the genetic

analysis of specific traits such as resistance against

abiotic stress (drought in maize and frost in rye), biotic

stress (insect resistance in maize and fungal resistance in

sunflower) as well as quality traits in wheat. Our results

are of high practical relevance and help to develop

optimized, genome-based breeding strategies.

The plant breeding group runs a state of the art molecular

lab with genotyping and sequencing facilities and has a

strong focus on quantitative and statistical genetics,

genomics, bioinformatics and breeding methodology.

Chris Schön

Teaching

Teaching aims at providing a profound training in modern

plant breeding. Lectures are offered on classical subjects

such as quantitative genetics and breeding methodology

as well as on molecular tools and techniques. Practical

courses and research projects provide hands on

experience in various aspects of plant breeding.


doctoral theses include (1) studies on genome-wide and

candidate gene diversity in crop plants such as maize and

rye, (2) genomic prediction for the genetic improvement of

complex traits, (3) functional characterization of candidate

genes involved in drought and frost tolerance, (4)

investigation of downy mildew susceptibility genes by

heterologous expression analysis, (5) bioinformatic

approaches for the analysis of high-throughput

sequencing data and genetic variation in microRNA genes

and targets, and (6) structural genome analysis.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Chris-Carolin Schön

Chair Plant Breeding


Emil-Ramann-Str. 4

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 3422


www.plantbreeding.wzw.tum.de

Understanding the genetics of complex traits


Tobias Sieberer

Research

We are interested in the genetic control of shoot growth,

which can be separated in different quantitative

parameters, including the rate of organ formation, the

overall amount of generated organs and the size of single

organs. Shoot size and architecture affect light harvesting

potential, the quantity and synchrony of flowering and

seed set, total biomass as well as cultivation efforts. Thus,

modulation of shoot growth characteristics is a central

breeding target in agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

We are currently investigating regulatory pathways

affecting the formation rate and quantity of shoot organs.

Moreover we are also interested in the molecular basis of

shoot meristem regeneration.

To characterize novel players of shoot growth control we

combine functional genomic methods with chemical

genetic approaches. Chemical Genetics is a novel

interdisciplinary approach in which small molecules are

used to identify gene function. In contrast to the classical

genetic approach the protein function is not disturbed by

mutation of the corresponding gene but by physical

interaction of the small molecule. In practice, thousands of

chemicals are tested in high-through-put mode for their

ability to trigger a specific phenotype (e.g. altered shoot

organ formation, enhanced regeneration capacity etc.).

Compounds, which induce the desired effect, will then be

used to identify the target proteins. The advantages over

conventional genetics are: The severity and duration of

the biological effect can be adjusted by modulating the

drug concentration and the time of application. Moreover,

small molecules can help to overcome genetic

redundancy by simultaneously inactivating functional

homologues of the same protein family. Finally the

potential effect of small molecule compounds can directly

be tested in crop plants.

Teaching

Our teaching portfolio ranges from general methods in

molecular plant biotechnology to more specific topics

including basic and applied aspects of plant hormone

action particularly in respect to meristem activity and

regeneration. A further focus lies on the identification and

characterization of novel plant growth regulators by high-

trough-put small molecule screening.

Currently we offer bachelor, master and doctoral theses in

the following areas: 1) Identification of novel plant growth

regulators for shoot micro-propagation, 2) Control of shoot

branching by small molecules, and 3) Characterization of

the AMP1 protease, a key regulator of leaf formation rate.

Contact Information

Dr. Tobias Sieberer

Research Group Plant Growth Regulation

Technische Universität München - Weihenstephan

Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 1

85354 Freising

Tel.: +49 (0) 8161 71 2016


www.pgr.wzw.tum.de


Chemical and genetic control of shoot architecture

Aurélien Tellier

Research

We are interested in plant evolution, and theoretical and

empirical population genetics. The -omics era is bringing

together ecology and molecular biology via the availability

of large datasets of genomic data. We use ‘environmental

genomics’ approaches coupled with fundamental

evolutionary theory to understand the role of natural

selection and random processes in the evolution of plant

species. Our model system is a group of closely related

wild tomato species which are found in South America in

a great variety of habitats ranging from coastal plains, to

the Chilean desert and to high altitudes of the Andes.

Our research focuses on three topics.

1) Host-parasite co-evolution. Parasites can be

responsible for drastic epidemics in human, animal or

plant populations, with potentially large effects on

biodiversity and the sustainability of agro-ecosystems. We

analyze plant and parasite genomic sequence data using

state of the art population genetics models. We aim to

decipher the major ecological mechanisms driving the

molecular evolution of plant defences and parasite genes

in natural populations.

2) Most plant species produce seeds, which may remain

in the soil for long period of time. We study the

evolutionary and ecological mechanisms governing the

evolution of seed dormancy using experimental

approaches and wild tomato genomic data.

3) We study crop and animal domestication by developing

new statistical methods to analyse genomic data. Such

methods are needed to find genes underlying key traits in

crops, to understand the evolutionary history of

domesticated species, and to discover new genetic

resources for breeding.

Teaching

We offer teaching in population genetics, population

genomics, statistics and mathematical biology. Our

teaching program aims to be integrative and

interdisciplinary combining theory, bioinformatics and

experimental studies, in connection with agronomy, plant

physiology and plant breeding. Courses include general

aspects of evolutionary genetics, plant and parasite

genomics, plant pathology and epidemiology, plant-

parasite coevolution, and evolution of pathogens in

agricultural systems. Currently available topics for

bachelor, master and doctoral theses include (1) wild

tomato genomics, (2) crop pathogen genomics and

evolution of infectivity, (3) infection experiments on tomato

and variation in resistance phenotypes, (4) models of

plant-parasite coevolution, and (5) application of

coalescent theory to natural and domesticated species.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Aurélien Tellier

Population Genetics


Maximus-von-Imhof Forum 2

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 5896


www.popgen.wzw.tum.de

Decoding the evolutionary mechanisms

driving plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic factors


Dieter Treutter

Research

Fruits are a rich source of secondary metabolites which

mainly belong to phenolic compounds such as

phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, anthocyanins

and tannins. They are classified as bioactive constituents

of food and feed, thus bearing strong beneficial potential

for human and animal health. They possess antioxidant

and free radical scavenging properties. They may

modulate gene activity and are involved in epigenetic

control. Plants themselves produce these costly

substances for self-protection and defense against

environmental adversities, competing plants, pathogens

and pests. Moreover, several phenolic metabolites act as

colorful attractants in flowers and fruits.

Our interest is to uncover the role of constitutively present

or induced phenolic compounds in fruit trees with respect

to diseases such as apple scab, fire blight and sharka.

We study the developmental and environmental

regulation of biosynthesis and intend to manage the

phenol content by cultivation practices including tree

training and application of bioregulators and elicitors as

well as by plant breeding.

For this purpose we are developing methods for both

chemical and non-destructive analysis. Microscopic

studies are performed for histochemical localization in

plant tissues and cell compartments. A set of methods

and laboratory facilities are available for isolation of

unknown compounds and their structural elucidation.

Studies are not exclusively undertaken on fruit trees but

also on other crop plants such as sainfoin and buckwheat

as well as on cell and tissue cultures as models.

Teaching

The aim of our lectures, seminars and workshops is to

educate students in the biological and physiological

principles of fruit growing with special reference to

temperate zone tree fruit production. This includes plant

propagation, management of tree growth, development

and fruit load, ecophysiological aspects, disease and pest

management, resistance physiology, postharvest

physiology and fruit storage, fruit quality.

We aim at stimulating the curiosity of our students for the

functionality of fruit crops and of orchard systems and we

teach them scientific approach to practical problems by

integrating basic and applied knowledge, methods and

experience.

Contact Information

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dieter Treutter

Fruit Science


Dürnast 2

85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 3753


www.wzw.tum.de/ob

Towards a functional understanding

of secondary metabolites in fruit trees


Research

Microorganisms impact on growth and development of

plants in multiple ways. These interactions may range

from mutualism over commensalism to parasitism. Even

small genetic changes in a microorganism may shift the

interaction with its host plant from one mode to another.

While in higher eukaryotes genetic information is almost

exclusively passed vertically from one generation to the

other horizontal gene transfer is an important feature in

most bacteria. Transposons, integrons, phages and

particularly plasmids govern the exchange of genetic

information within a bacterial species and even between

distinct genera. This explains, for instance, the presence

of nif gene clusters responsible for nitrogen fixation in

phylogenetically unrelated species or the rapid spread of

antibiotic and drug resistances among bacterial

populations. Interestingly, many plasmids, once acquired,

are stably maintained in their hosts even in the absence

of selective pressure.

Currently we are particularly interested in elucidating the

replication mechanism of pEA29 and pEP36, two closely

related plasmids present in Erwinia amylovora and E.

pyrifoliae, respectively. E. amylovora and E. pyrifoliae are

devastating pathogens of fruit trees such as apple and

pear and cause significant economic loss. Moreover, we

aim to characterize mechanisms crucial for stable

maintenance of these plasmids in their natural hosts, for

instance partitioning systems and toxin-antitoxin (TA) loci.

TA modules are usually two-component systems that

encode a stable toxin, which causes growth arrest or cell

death by interfering with essential cellular process, and an

unstable antitoxin that prevents the cytotoxic activity of

the toxin. Based on our previous data we aim to develop

screening systems for identification of compounds that

can artificially activate toxins, interfere with plasmid

replication or inhibit growth of E. amylovora and E.

pyrifoliae by other means. In addition we are interested in

application of plasmids for biotechnological approaches.

Teaching

We offer teaching in bacterial and plant genetics, plasmid

biology, biotechnology in plants and bacteria and plant-

microbe interactions. Courses include research projects

and practical courses in biotechnology and lectures in

environmental protection in plant production.

Currently available topics for bachelor and master thesis

include (1) the development of screening systems for

compounds interfering with the replication of pEA29, (2)

the action of TA systems or other essential processes of

bacteria, (3) the characterization of TA systems of pEA29

or (4) the development of inhibitors active against Erwinia

species for use in fruit and vegetable production.

Contact Information

Dr. Wilfried Rozhon

Biotechnology of Horticultural Crops



85354 Freising

Phone: +49 (0) 8161 71 2023


www.bgk.wzw.tum.de

Plant associated microorganisms


Wilfried Rozhon

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Hauser

Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf

Fakultät Gartenbau und Lebensmitteltechnologie

Am Staudengarten 8

D-85354 Freising

Email [email protected]

Dr. Mohamed Ali Ali Farag

Erasmus Mundus Scholar

Faculty of Pharmacy

Cairo University

Egypt


Dr. Artur Manukyan

Erasmus Mundus Scholar


FG Obstbau

Dürnast 2

D-85354 Freising

Email [email protected]

Dr. Johannes Nebelmeir

Lazzeri Agricultural Group

Via Piedimonte 8

I - 39012 Merano BZ

Italy


Prof. Dr. Éva Zámboriné-Németh

Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Corvinus University of Budapest

Villányi str. 29-35

H-1118 Budapest

Hungary


Hon. Prof. Dr. Klaus Wahl

Lecturer for Viticulture


Externe Dozenten External lecturers

Externe Dozenten External lecturers

60 61 External lecturers External lecturers

Die Berufsaussichten mit einem Abschluss in den

Gartenbauwissenschaften sind ausgezeichnet. Das

Studium qualifiziert für Führungspositionen in

Unternehmen des Gartenbaus und anderer verwandter

Bereiche wie z.B. der Pharmaindustrie mit pflanzen-

baulichen Interessen. Durch seine wissenschaftliche

Ausrichtung bildet es im Besonderen Führungskräfte für

Forschung und Entwicklung in der Pflanzenzüchtung, der

Pflanzenproduktion, des Qualitätsmanagements, des

Pflanzenschutzes und der Pflanzenernährung aus.

Es bereitet darüberhinaus auf wissenschaftliche

Tätigkeiten an außeruniversitären und universitären

Forschungsinstituten, in Versuchsanstalten wie z.B. den

Landesanstalten und auf Forschungs- und Lehrtätigkeiten

an Fachhochschulen oder Universitäten vor. Auch

Tätigkeiten in Ministerien, Landwirtschaftsämtern,

Gartenbauverbänden oder internationalen Organisationen

wie der EU, der UNO oder der WHO sind möglich.

Mitarbeit in Forschungsförderorganisationen, im Bereich

des Wissenschafts- und Gartenbaujournalismus, oder

Engagement im Patentrecht bzw. bei der Sorten-

zulassung sind weitere beispielhafte Arbeitsfelder von

Absolventen.

Berufsaussichten Jobperspectives

62 63 Job perspectives

The job perspectives with a master in the horticultural

sciences are excellent. The studies qualify for executive

positions in enterprises of horticulture and related

industries such as sectors of the pharmaceutical industry

active in agricultural and horticultural plant production.

Owing to its scientific education it prepares in particular

for research and development activities in the areas of

plant breeding, plant production, plant protection, plant

nutrition and pre and post harvest quality management.

Moreover an advanced degree in the horticultural

sciences (at the master or doctorate level) qualifies for

research positions in academic or non-academic research

institutions, in federal research facilities such as the

German 'Landesanstalten', but also for research and

teaching positions at colleges or universities active in

horticulture or related fields. Also, positions in federal

ministries, governmental agricultural departments, horti-

cultural associations, or international organizations such

as the EU, the UNO or the WHO are employment

possibilities. Other examples of job opportunities are

positions in research funding organizations, in scientific or

agricultural/horticultural journalism, or in the field of

intellectual property right or plant variety protection.

Gestaltung


Text

Brigitte Poppenberger, Dieter Treutter, Joachim Meyer und Simon Unterholzner

Gruppenseiten (entsprechende Arbeitsgruppe)

Fotos

Eva Bauer: S. 51 (li)

Ulli Benz: S. 14, 22, 23

Astrid Eckert: S. 2, 4 (li), 8 (li), 12, 17 (li), 19, 20, 24, 33, 35, 39, 42, 43, 45, 53, 57, 62

ediundsepp: S.51 (re)

Johanna Graßmann: S. 37

Ruth Habegger: S. 38

Zuzana Havlinová (www.fotohavlin.cz): cover

Andreas Heddergott: S. 4 (re), 10, 14, 17, 18 (li), 27, 47, 49, 50

Ralph Hückelhoven: S. 41

Michael Neumüller: S. 44

Brigitte Poppenberger: S. 15, 21, 36, 46, 55, 58 (li), 59

Muien Qaryouti: S. 63

Wilfried Rozhon: S. 58 (re)

Susanne Rühmann: S. 48

Albert Scharger: S. 13, 30

Tobias Sieberer: S. 32, 52

Florian Steinbacher: S. 8 (re), 18 (re)

Dieter Treutter: S. 56

Druck

Druckerei JOH. WALCH, Augsburg

Copyright

Technische Universität München; alle Rechte vorbehalten

Kontakt

Biotechnologie gartenbaulicher Kulturen


D - 85354 Freising

Germany


Phone: +49 (8161) 71 3104

April 2013

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