Input reduction

Bringing less input and stable outcome together

Less arable land per capita, shrinking biodiversity and limited resources with a growing global population and the resulting demand for food are all aspects agriculture is facing today and in the future. One of the main focuses of our diverse KWS portfolio is on the reduction of pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural resources in fields. At the same time, it helps to safeguard and increase urgently needed yields.

New and adapted varieties contribute to reducing the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other farming resources while also achieving high, stable yields.

Werner Beyer, Head of Resistance Breeding Sugarbeet

Fight the pathogens: CR+ varieties create sustainable yield

20 years ago, KWS breeders started to develop a new resistance to Cercospora. The relevant trait was discovered in a wild beet closely related to the sugarbeet: The CR+ varieties with the new trait combine unprecedented protection against Cercospora with high yield performance - on areas with and without infestation. These varieties are an important building block in future Cercospora management and a significant innovation for the sustainability of beet cultivation in terms of integrated pest management - they support the goals defined by the EU within the Farm to Fork Strategy, which aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by half by 2030.

Excellent CO2 balance
confirmed for hybrid rye

Not only valuable for feeding people and animals, but also for the climate: Thanks to constant breeding progress, KWS' hybrid rye is the cereal with the lowest ecological footprint. A sustainability study commissioned by KWS confirms hybrid rye's excellent carbon footprint - grown regionally, it conserves natural resources, and needs less fertilizer and crop protection products.

more on the sustainability study more on the sustainability study

KWS develops
biological seed
coatings.

Biological seed coatings offer farmers additional options for specific applications. KWS recently launched a biological seed coating expressly for sugarbeet for the first time. Further biologicals for other crops are planned to follow.

Breeding fully resistant spinach varieties

Resistance to the plant pathogen which causes Downy Mildew is the most important feature in spinach cultivation. The main reason is that for instance in the U.S. alone, nearly half of baby leaf spinach is grown organically, meaning growers are not allowed to use fungicides. By breeding fully resistant varieties that are suitable for organic production, we play an important role in making spinach cultivation more sustainable.

Best4N!

Find out more about our Best4N! concept for high
rapeseed yields with reduced fertilization:

KWS INITIO

Find out more about seed protection here:

Our Sustainability Ambition 2030

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Contact

Sebastian Frese

Lead of Brand Management

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Bringing less input and stable outcome together

Fight the pathogens: CR+ varieties create sustainable yield