Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research. Activity report Flemish government

Transcription

1 Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research Activity report 2006 Flemish government

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3 Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research Activity report 2006 Flemish government

4 Flemish government Responsible publisher Prof. dr. ir. Erik Van Bockstaele Coordination dr. ir. Johan Van Waes, Nancy De Vooght, Karin Van Peteghem Photographs ILVO Lay-out Nancy De Vooght Translation Frank Lunn How to order by by telephone +32 (0) by mail Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 96, B-9820 Merelbeke mention Activity Report 2006

5 Introduction 9 1. Management and Units Animal Sciences Functional Animal Nutrition Animal Husbandry and Welfare Fisheries Social Sciences Plant Sciences Applied Genetics and Breeding Growth and Development Crop Husbandry and Environment Technology & Food Product Quality and Innovation Food Safety Business Unit and Service Centre Agricultural Engineering Important research results Animal Sciences Milk urea concentration as an indicator of the N excretion of dairy cows into the environment Reducing ammonia emissions from pig houses through feeding strategy Research into alternatives for antimicrobial feed additives Qualitative feed restriction in beef cows Early and reliable detection of boar taint Integration of animal welfare in the food quality chain Value creation in Belgian sea fisheries Biological fisheries research: there is more to it than just counting fish Social Sciences Modelling the agricultural sector Corporate social responsibility (CSR) 50 Table of contents

6 2.3 Plant Sciences 52 Table of contents New insights into the origin of the cultivated apple (Malus x domestica) Valorisation of the genetic diversity of wild roses Breeding for resistance against nematodes in green manure crops (catch crops) Inventorising predatory mites in tree nurseries Infectivity under field conditions of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepdonicus, causal agent of bacterial ring rot of potato Population dynamics of the rootknot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi under different field crops and black fallow Fifteen years of cooperation with the former Eastern Block countries: The democratisation process and the acquis communautaire SANCO EC - trial for grasses Technology & Food Residual enzyme activity in UHT-milk and milk powders Effect of a changed milk fat composition on the quality and processability of milk Mechanisation: A good application technique for more efficient entomopathogenic nematodes Livestock engineering and constructions - Automatic detection of lameness in dairy cattle Protection and safety engineering - Ammonia emissions from naturally ventilated buildings PCBs in eggs originating from different production systems Residue formation of sulphonamides in honey by migration from contaminated beeswax Bacteriological contamination and infection of shell eggs in the production chain Identification and harmful effects of the aerobic spore microbiota in raw milk Reduction of Salmonella shedding by mid-chain fatty acids and botanic compounds in a in vitro simulation of the pig s cecum Extra highlighted Comparison of hygiene status and animal welfare in furnished cages and noncage systems for laying hens Dietary ω-3 fatty acids: effect on performances and incorporation in milk and meat using the rabbit as model : A productive publication year for ILVO-fisheries Social Sciences Unit: new paradigms Centre for Plant Diagnosis: in the spot Measuring residual nitrates in soils: elevated nitrogen utilisation as solution? Cooperation of ILVO-T&V with Flanders FOOD projects 87

7 3.8 Role of ILVO-T&V in the Belgian National Reference Laboratory (NRL) Consortium for GMOs PreventAgri Vorming/Formation encourages safety in agriculture and horticulture Public Service Reference laboratory for research on animal nutrition and the nutritional value of animal products Social Sciences Centre for Diagnosis of Plant Pests Varieties developed by ILVO-Plant - Cultivars on variety lists and commercialised TAD FarmCOMPOST Variety Testing Post-control trials Seed Testing Laboratory Addition of accredited laboratory analyses in the framework of food authenticity and food safety New hygiene directives in the pilot plant TAD Hoevezuivel - Farm dairying in practice Agromech AgriCONSTRUCT Laboratory for Spray Application Techniques Quality control in connection with the maintenance of milk instalations Publications Articles published in journals and included in the Science Citation Index Other scientific articles Books and chapters in books Proceedings and abstracts of symposia and congresses Vulgarised articles Ph. D. theses ILVO communications Policy-relevant notes and reports in the framework of mandated and other tasks Theses and training reports Communication Press contacts and visits of Belgian and foreign delegations Activities, workshops and courses organised by or in cooperation with ILVO 119 Table of contents

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9 Introduction Dear reader, This is the first activity report of ILVO, the Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research. Since 1 April 2006, both the former Agricultural Research Centre (CLO) and Centre for Agricultural Economics (CLE), together with their corporate identities were merged into the newly established ILVO. From 1 January 2007 the funds for developing sustainable agricultural systems were transferred to ILVO (unit Social Sciences). ILVO is an internal independent agency with a corporate identity and comprises four units, each with several research areas. The management agreement with the Minister competent for ILVO provides the contours in which ILVO, as a scientific institute, will carry out its mission of basic and policy-supporting research and services. Performance indicators quantify the results obtained. The structure of ILVO has been elaborated in the past year and efforts were made to organise and develop human resource management, research policy, internal and external communication, cooperation and supporting services. This process is not completed yet, but I am grateful to all staff for their positive attitude and cooperation towards the transformation process that occurred during The results of a personnel survey showed great satisfaction concerning the labour conditions and value-perceptions. Based on these results we will try, where possible, to set up suitable transformation routes. High quality research relies on both human resources and facilities. Both the expansion of the scientific staff and the ILVO-PhD-fund will strengthen the critical mass. The step-by-step implementation of the Master plan for the infrastructure and support from the Agency for Facility Management should eventually solve various infrastructure problems. In the past year ILVO was an open house. There were internal team-building sessions per unit, thematic meetings with colleagues from other entities within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, visits and consultations with Minister Fientje Moerman, Boerenbond, experimental research and extension centres, cabinet members and students. ILVO was also often referred to in the press. For 2007, we foresee ILVO cooperation in Agriflanders and the Flanders Day on 16 April. In June we will celebrate 75 years of agricultural research in Flanders with the anniversary of the founding of the former Plant Breeding Research Station, the activities of which are now integrated in ILVO-Plant Sciences. Finally, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all staff and all those who were directly or indirectly supportive in realising the functioning of ILVO and who have put their trust in ILVO. I am also much indebted to all audit, supervisory management and advisory bodies for their essential and much appreciated support for ILVO. Enjoy reading this activity report, ILVO believes in: - a positive future for Flemish agriculture and fisheries - objective, integral and independent research within a scientific organisation - internal and external cooperation. ILVO s core business is to be found in the area of: - the execution of qualitative prominent research and public service for the policy-makers and the sector - the valorisation of research results - the dissemination of research results through open communication. Erik Van Bockstaele, Administrator-General of ILVO.

10 Administrator-general (N) Prof. dr. ir. Erik Van Bockstaele COWEDI (N + N-1 + GD + sci. dir.) internal advice Consultation Organ Government/Policy - ILVO Management Committee Advisory Committee with working groups for each knowledge unit - External advice Board CP (Corporate Personality) General Director ir. Joris Relaes (detached) Research Director (Prof. dr. ir. Maurice Moens) MSS (Management and Supporting Services) - secretariat Research support services - management of Staff and Control - project control, scientific equipment, sci. output - IT and statistics (dr. ir. Koen Grijspeerdt) Financial Services - financial and operational audit (x) Communication Director (dr. ir. Johan Van Waes) - finances en budget, accounting (Funding + CP) Communication cel Advisory organ: BOC, Ethical Commission Support - environment, safety, welfare (ir. Frank Lagaisse) - IT, facility services, logistics, general infrastructure Animal Sciences head of the unit (x) Social Sciences head of the unit (x) Research Area -Functional Animal Nutrion dr. ir. Ludwig Lauwers dr. ir. Gerard Huyghebaert ir. Dirk Van Lierde -Animal Husbandry and Welfare Prof. dr. ir. Daniël De Brabander -Fisheries dr. Kris Cooreman Plant Sciences head of the unit (x) Research Area -Growth and Development (x) -Applied Genetics and Breeding dr. ir. Johan Van Huylenbroeck -Crop Husbandry and Environment Prof. dr. ir. Lucien Carlier -Crop Protection dr. Martine Maes -Business Unit and Service Centre (x) Technology & Food head of the unit (x) Research Area -Agricultural Engineering Prof. dr. ir. Bart Sonck -Food Safety dr. Marc Heyndrickx -Product Quality and Innovation dr. Marc De Loose -Business Unit and Service Centre dr. Lieve Herman Head of a research area: scientific director (x) function still open 10

11 Corporate Personality Management Commission Members ILVO: - Prof. dr. ir. Erik Van Bockstaele, administrator-general, Chairman - dr. ir. Kristiaan Van Laecke, scientific attaché - Prof. dr. ir. Daniël De Brabander, scientific director - dr. Lieve Herman, scientific director - ir. Dirk Van Lierde, scientific director Leading official of the department Agriculture and Fisheries: - Mr. Jules Van Liefferinge, secretary-general Representative of the Flemish Minister competent for science and technology: - dr. Monika Sormann (until 31/08/06) - dr. Kathleen D Hondt (since 01/09/06) Representative of the Flemish Council for Agriculture and Horticulture: - Mr. Jos Matthys (until 31/12/06) - Mr. Philippe Appeltans (since 01/01/07) Representative of the Inspection of Finances: - Mr. Kurt De Bruyne, inspector-general Expert policy domaine Agriculture and Fisheries: - ir. Hector Willocx, projectleader ALV 11

12 1. Management and units ILVO - Management Management Prof. dr. ir. Erik Van Bockstaele, administrator-general Prof. dr. ir. Maurice Moens, research director (since 1/04/06) dr. ir. Johan Van Waes, communication director (since 1/04/06) ir. Frank Lagaisse, prevention, safety, environment and welfare dr. ir. Koen Grijspeerdt, IT (since 1/04/06) ing. Steven Cools, IT ing. Sabine Nelis, IT ing. Ellen Claeys, IT André Roelandts, coordination Mission ILVO ILVOs mission consists of the execution and coordination of policy-supporting scientific research and the accompanying public service with a view to sustainable agriculture and fisheries in an economic, ecological and social perspective. Based on scientific disciplines ILVO will build up the necessary knowledge for improving products and production methods, for monitoring the quality and safety of the end products and for improving the policy instruments as a basis for the development of the sector and rural policy. ILVO will inform the authorities, the various sectors and society at regular intervals. 12

13 Some figures about the staff of ILVO on 31/12/06 Flemish government Male/FTU Female/FTU Total/FTU Average age A-level 55/ / / B-level 16/ / / C/D-level 68/ / / Total 139/ / / Corporate personality ILVO Male/FTU Female/FTU Total/FTU Average age A-level 43/ / / B-level 23/ / / C/D-level 55/ / / Total 121/ / / General total Male/FTU Female/FTU Total/FTU Average age A-level / / B-level 39/ / / C/D-level 123/ / / Total 260/ / /

14 Animal Sciences 1.1 Functional Animal Nutrition Animal Husbandry and Welfare Scheldeweg 68 B-9090 Melle Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) dier@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Functional Animal Nutrition Scientific director dr. ir. Gerard Huyghebaert Researchers lic. Johan Aerts dr. ir. Johan De Boever dr. ir. Evelyne Delezie (since 1/10/06) dr. ir. Sam Decampeneere dr. ir. Marijke Lippens (until 30/06/06) dr. Sam Millet ing. José Vanacker dr. ir. Nathalie Warnants (until 30/06/06) Animal Husbandry and Welfare Scientific director Prof. dr. ir. Daniël De Brabander Researchers ir. Marijke Aluwé (since 01/09/06) ir. Stephanie Buijs (since 06/10/06) ing. Marc De Paepe dr. ir. Leo Fiems dr. Nicoline Geverink ir. Luc Maertens lic. Griet Nijs dr. Frank Tuyttens lic. Els Van Poucke dr. ir. Monique Van Oeckel 14

15 1.1.1 Functional Animal Nutrition In the domain of Functional Animal Nutrition applied scientific research on animal production is carried out aimed at matching the supply of nutrients with the requirements of cattle, pigs and poultry, taking into account on the one hand a minimum output of minerals into the environment and on the other hand the production of milk, meat and eggs with a high nutritional and health value. Research into nutrition physiology through digestion and balance trials results in a more correct feed evaluation and contributes to an improved nutrient provision for the different animal species and hence to a better nutrient efficacy and a lower environmental pollution. The development of invitro techniques as fast evaluation tools may reduce the number of experimental animals. In this respect, our reference laboratory plays an important role not only by implementing new analytical techniques but also by the ISO guarantee for quality analyses on both animal feeds and animal products, which is very important for an overall quality control in the food chain. Because of the recent ban on feed antibiotics, there is a continuous need for an objective evaluation of a range of alternatives, e.g. probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, acids, yeasts, etheric oils and even anticoccidials. The physiology at intestinal level is thereby very important for both intestinal health and nutrient utilisation with a direct impact on the zootechnical performance and the nutrient emission into the environment. At the same time, a residue evaluation will be done for anticoccidials and therapeutic medicines in eggs and broiler meat. Besides, there is a need for new dietary strategies to improve N- and P-utilisation and to reduce N- and P-excretion by poultry (laying hens, broiler chickens, turkeys) through research on the effects of multiphase feeding, precision feeding, adapted amino acid profiles, an adapted Ca/P-balance, vitamin D3 and analogues, exogenous phytase, etc. Another objective of functional animal nutrition is to improve, through dietary manipulations, not only the animal physiology and health but also the general and specific quality (with an additional health value for the consumer) and the image of the final product (meat, milk and eggs). In this way the enrichment is possible with n-3 and n-6 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, anti-oxidants and trace minerals. Research topics with dairy cattle are: the use of grains as concentrate replacement, the incorporation of leguminosae in the ration and the use of by-products originating from the production of biofuel. Besides, a project is started to investigate if and how the rumen degradable protein balance (DPB) of dairy cattle rations can be lowered by, for example, improving the synchronisation of energy and protein in the rumen and/or by using rumen protected protein sources. Lowering the DPB reduces the N excretion into the environment. Moreover, protecting soya protein against rumen degradation and the use of rapeseed meals may strongly reduce the import of soybean meal. A project is running with meat pigs to reduce the ammonia emission from pig houses by means of feeding measures. The intention is to evaluate the impact of different feeding strategies and additives on the true ammonia emission, measured under Flemish conditions. Another research project is looking at the impact of dietary protein levels below the optima for maximal performance on nitrogen excretion and meat percentage of meat pigs, in order to find an optimum that takes into account economy as well as ecology. 15

16 1.1.2 Animal Husbandry and Welfare This research domain focuses on key aspects of cattle, pig and poultry husbandry in general as well as on animal welfare in particular. Although the research topics are often related to animal nutrition, they concern the wider perspective of livestock production. An important focus of the research on cattle is on the development of feeding strategies for suckling cows. According to the cross-compliance of the European Common Agricultural Policy, the total area of permanent grassland in Flanders should be maintained. On the other hand, the cattle herd is decreasing. Consequently, more attention has to be paid to a maximum and efficient valorisation of grassland. Following the period with restricted feed intake in winter, suckling cows are able to replenish their body reserves during the pasture period. Concerning pig husbandry, group housing of sows and castration of piglets are important research topics. Legislation stipulates that by 2013 pregnant sows ought to be housed in groups. This implies an adapted feeding strategy. Restricted feed allowance, which is common practice for individually housed sows, can be applied in group housing conditions but requires a high investment. Our research focuses on the ad libitum provision of fibrous feedstuffs, ensiled roughages and wet by-products as an alternative strategy with likely animal welfare benefits. In addition, we investigate on 40 sow units the effects of the environment, management and animal parameters on production data, animal health, animal welfare, dust concentration, sanitary status and ammonia concentration in the sow house to help the pig farmer choosing a group housing system suited to the farm conditions and management. Animal Sciences 1.1 Functional Animal Nutrition Animal Husbandry and Welfare 16

17 Another hot issue in pig husbandry is the surgical castration of male piglets which is a routine practice to prevent the occurrence of boar taint. Research to reduce boar taint without castration and to reliably detect boar taint in living pigs as well as in pig carcasses is on-going. The extent to which boar taint can be reduced by dietary manipulations, choice of breeds, reduced slaughter weight and hygienic measures is being investigated. Furthermore, we aim to identify behavioural or physiological risk-factors in young pigs that predict the likelihood of developing boar taint when they reach slaughter age. Regarding poultry production, our research focuses on the evaluation of different housing systems for laying hens (furnished cages and non-cage systems) and on reducing the negative consequences of metabolic stress in broiler chickens. The continuous breeding efforts to increase growth have delivered broiler strains with exceptional growth performances (2.0 kg at 5 weeks of age). However, such a selection has also led to some negative responses. Using both a modulation of the growth curve as well as growing strains with a slower growth rate, we aim to improve meat quality characteristics and to contribute to a more sustainable broiler chicken production. Across the main livestock species groups, animal welfare research focuses on the development of objective, valid and innovative indicators of animal welfare. We provided evidence, for example, that the degree of (fluctuating) asymmetry is a promising indicator of how well an animal has been able to cope with stress during its development. These separate welfare indicators are subsequently aggregated into a protocol for evaluating the general state of welfare. Within the EU-project Welfare Quality, the Animal Science Unit contributes to the development of an EU-standard for evaluating the welfare of farm animals. These protocols are then used for investigating issues that are highly relevant to our agricultural policy, such as the stocking density in livestock production. The stocking density of livestock is of paramount importance for profitability and animal welfare. In an on-going research project we aim to find a compromise between profitability and animal welfare concerns. Therefore, the relationships between stocking density-profitability and between stocking density-animal welfare are being determined for two relevant model animals, broiler chickens and rabbits. The importance Flemish citizens allocate to this topic is being explored too. Calf-hutches 17

18 Animal Sciences 1.1 Fisheries Ankerstraat 1 B-8400 Oostende Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) diervi@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Fisheries Scientific director dr. Kris Cooreman Researchers ir. Karen Bekaert ing. Fernand Delanghe lic. Daan Delbare Ir. Wim Demaré ir. Jochen Depestele ing. Sabrine Derveaux lic. Fanny Dooms lic. Hans Hillewaert MSc. Stefan Hoffman dr. Kristian Hostens lic. Bart Maertens MSc. Ine Moulaert dr. Koen Parmentier dr. ir. Hans Polet MSc. Wang Qian (since 16/10/06) dr. Frank Redant lic. Hendrik Stouten ir. Kris Van Craeynest (since 1/10/06) MSc. Els Vanderperren ing. Johny Vanhee ing. Willy Vanhee lic. Jan Wittoeck 18

19 1.1.3 Fisheries The core tasks of the Research Area Fisheries (D-VI) are situated in the field of fisheries biology, aquaculture and restocking, technical fisheries, and the quality of the marine habitat and its biological resources. This mission complies with the provision of scientifically sound policy advice on fisheries, mariculture and the environment, as requested by national and international governmental bodies and professional sectors. The unfavourable economic circumstances (high fuel costs, more rigorous policy measures, and an increasing exploitation of the sea) undermine the fisheries sector thus rapidly that the existence of the Flemish fishery is in danger. On the initiative of the Agriculture and Fisheries Policy Area, a Task Force has been established to work out solutions that can guarantee the liveability of the sector on short, mid and long-term. The initiatives undertaken by the technical fisheries research group of D-VI are focused on energy saving adaptations, reduced by-catches, alternative fishing methods, new target species, quality aspects of landed fish and reconversion. D-VI investigates, in a multidisciplinary approach, how the Belgian fleet composition can be adjusted to a rational and sustainable exploitation model. Besides fisheries, also other anthropogenic activities have a (negative) effect on the marine habitat and especially on marine biodiversity. The studies of the environmental monitoring group of D-VI emphasise the importance of the benthic life in and on the seafloor, because any loss of suitable habitat can induce changes in the diversity and density of the benthos, which leads to changes in the food web structure and to less exploitable fish. These long-term programmes mainly focus on the biological and (bio) chemical effects of dredge dumping, sand and gravel extraction, wind mills and fisheries on the Belgian part of the North Sea. The quality of fisheries products is important to both consumers and producers. Within this theme, D-VI carries out research on the genetic authenticity of fish, shellfish and crustaceans, and on the levels of contaminants in sea fish and fish from the Flemish surface waters (mainly eel). D-VI develops a system to evaluate the freshness, safety and nutritional value of various seafood products. In addition to the accreditation for chemical and biochemical analyses, the implementation of an accreditation system for fish quality and for the assessment of authenticity is worked out in more detail. The national data gathering program in support of the European Common Fisheries Policy is the central theme of the biological fisheries research in D-VI. The research focuses on population dynamics, stock size, discards and exploitation of commercial fish (e.g. sole, plaice, cod and whiting) and crustaceans (mainly langoustines and brown shrimp). Fisheries advice, based on the data thus collected, and the evaluation of the European fisheries advisory process, represent a considerable added value for D-VI. In addition, studies are conducted in the field of aquaculture and restocking, focusing on the cultivation and regeneration of commercial fish species on land (mainly sole, turbot and sea bass), and of commercial shellfish in the open sea (blue mussel). D-VI investigates how wild fish populations can be replenished through the restocking of cultured fish, how cultivation methods can be improved and how the environmental impact from mariculture can be reduced. The genetic research on rotifers as food for larval fish is equally part of this aqua- and mariculture research. 19

20 Gansberghelaan 109, bus 2 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) L&M@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Social SciencesBurg. Van Scientific directors dr. ir. Ludwig Lauwers ir. Dirk Van Lierde Researchers ir. Dakerlia Claeys ing. Anne-Marieke Cools (until 31/03/06) ing. Joost D Hooghe ir. Lieve De Cock ir. Karen De Mey ir. Sven Defrijn (since 6/11/06) ir. Bruno Fernagut ir. Hadewych Georges (until 31/03/06) ir. Kristof Geutjens (until 31/03/06) ir. Eva Kerselaers ir. Nicole Taragola ir. Jef Van Meensel ir. Anneleen Vandenberghe (until 31/03/06) ir. Hilde Wustenberghs The new Social Sciences unit was set up in the course of The scientific part of the former Centre for Agricultural Economics (CAE) is part of ILVO since 1 January From 1 January 2007 on, part of the staff of the Flemish Policy Research Centre for Sustainable Agriculture will join the unit. In 2006 the research assigned to the CAE was continued, while a vision for the unit s future was developed (see further in Extra highlighted ) and new research was started in view of the mission that is put forward for our unit: to present and clarify, on a scientific basis, the social choices concerning a sustainable and competitive Flemish agriculture and fisheries. Flemish agriculture and horticulture need to stay competitive, while faced with important economic, technological, institutional, demographic and social developments. Good craftsman-ship no longer suffices. Managerial and entrepreneurial skills have a growing importance. To keep up and improve good entrepreneurship and to meet growing societal demands related to environmental sound production and animal welfare constant innovation is essential. More than other sectors, agriculture and horticulture are allied with the environment, as they work directly with and in nature. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility thus are of vital importance. Therefore the Social Sciences Unit not only works on the economic pillar, but also on the ecological and the social pillar. The fact that the research 20

21 deals with all social concerns is reflected while naming the unit. Sustainable agriculture needs a multidimensional approach. A holding s or the sector s performance needs to be assessed broadly, on the basis of data on all dimensions of sustainable agriculture. In integrated evaluation, the three pillars are weighed against each other. Moreover, attention given to the countryside is growing and the rural area gets attributed a whole range of functions. On the one hand it concerns new functions, such as recreation, tourism, biodiversity conservation. On the other hand, the role of agriculture in sustainable rural development remains an important topic. Diversification and multifunctionality are key factors in this matter. Rural development indicators are an interesting tool to gain insight in the specific needs and opportunities of the countryside. In the changing surroundings What if? becomes an often-heard question in the agricultural community. Both policy makers and farmers are wandering about the consequences of certain decisions (changes in subsidies, tradable production rights, stricter environmental regulations, innovative products or production methods, etc.). The Social Sciences Unit is developing simulation models to answer these kinds of questions. Finally, when using models or in innovative research in general, it is very important to have good communication between researchers and their customers (farmers or policy makers). Research is done on the appropriate organisation of knowledge exchange and into the optimisation of the knowledge flow. Research themes 2006 Management and innovation on agricultural and horticultural holdings Management of glasshouse holdings Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in horticulture Radical innovation in agriculture and horticulture: the case of conversion to organic farming Sustainable agriculture: corporate social responsibility Nutrient and pesticide use: current situation and possibilities for reduction Study on the socio-economic impact of different housing systems for laying hens Integrated evaluation of economic and environmental aspects Evaluation of new technologies to improve economic and environmental performance of animal production farms Ecologically adjusted production analysis models Space as a meta-dimension over the other functionalities of the environment Rural development and diversification of agriculture Rural development and policy indicators Models for policy analysis Farm model to estimate the economic potentiality of conversion from conventional to organic farming Evaluation of the environmental impact of agriculture with agri-environmental indicators Analysis and optimisation of the knowledge flow between researcher and client Facilitating knowledge flow in the modelling process Optimisation and structuring of Flemish research in organic agriculture Service Spin-off of indicator research to various monitoring assignments, such as the annual Flemish environmental report (chapters in MIRA-T and background documents) and indicator calculations for OECD and EUROSTAT Advice concerning policy issue Participation in diverse stakeholder and feedback groups and refereeing of policy preparatory documents 21

22 1.3 Plant Sciences Applied Genetics and Breeding Growth and Development Caritasstraat 21 B-9090 Melle Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) plantgv@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Scientific director dr. ir. Johan Van Huylenbroeck Researchers ing. Wendy Aartsen (until 21/06/06) ir. Joost Baert ing. Evelien Calsyn dr. ir. Els Coart (until 20/10/06) ir. Hervé De Clercq ir. Ellen De Keyser ir. Jelle De Keukeleire dr. ir. Jan De Riek ir. Angelo De Witte ir. Barbara Duquenne (until 30/09/06) dr. ir. Tom Eeckhaut ing. An Ghesquière Msc. Hossein Hosseini dr. ir. Veerle Lamote dr. ir. Leen Leus ing. Marianne Malengier Msc. Lina Maloukh Msc. Khosro Mehdikhanlou dr. ir. Hilde Muylle ir. Georges Rijckaert dr. ir. Isabel Roldan-Ruiz dr. ir. Inge Van Daele ir. Katrien Vandepitte ing. Sabine Van Glabeke dr. ir. Kristiaan Van Laecke ir. Katrijn Van Laere ir. Muriel Vandewalle ir. Gijs Van Ranst dr. Rebecca Zwart 22

23 1.3.1 Applied Genetics and Breeding The key research tasks of the unit focus on the generation of new knowledge and policy support in the field of plant genetics and breeding. A multidisciplinary approach and the integration of knowledge from different research domains are essential to achieve the proposed goals. Breeding activities are focused on the development of pre-breeding material. A reduction in the use of chemical pesticides is the basis for a sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Improving the resistance to diseases and pests is a priority in this respect. The selection for improved resistance is among other things based on the natural variation. Diseases of priority for ryegrass and leek are rusts; for clover: Sclerotinia and mildew; for roses: mildew and black spot; for azalea: Phytophtora and Cylindrocladium; for green manure crops: nematode resistance and for wheat: Fusarium head blight. The selection of pest and disease resistance is a combination of a proper knowledge of the pathogen and its interaction with the crop, as well as the availability of efficient screening techniques. This is the basis for the development of DNA-marker assisted selection strategies for ryegrass, wheat and leek. A better use of nitrogen and quality are important points of attention in the creation of new varieties of fodder crops. A higher nitrogen use efficiency by grass and a higher amount of water-soluble carbohydrates leads to smaller N-losses. Clover is an alternative N-source for grassland replacing mineral N-fertilisation. The search for new clover cultivars contributes to the reduction of external N-input in dairy farms and limits N-losses into the environment. In ornamentals, there is a great demand for novelties with clear esthetical benefits. In order to maintain the international position of the Flemish ornamental sector, technological innovations that accelerate or improve the breeding process, are extremely important. Thus, for instance, novel techniques are applied to enable interspecific crosses and/or to circumvent crossing barriers. One of the tasks of the unit is to search for alternative applications of crops. In chicory, we investigate the heritability of inuline chain length, in view of applications in the food and non-food sectors. In hop we try to enhance the biosynthesis of prenylflavonoids. The production of bioactive components with a large economic value in plants can offer important advantages. Furthermore, research is conducted to optimise crops in view of the production of bio-energy. The potential of various woody crops for combustion are studied. Concerning biodiesel, a higher seed production in rapeseed is envisaged using genetic approaches. In the framework of international agreements, maintaining the genetic heritage is an important aspect. For this purpose, gene banks were created for important Flemish agricultural and horticultural crops with the aim of maintaining genetic biodiversity on the one hand and for the exploitation of interesting characteristics in the development of sustainable agriculture and horticulture on the other hand. The application of new developments in biotechnology and bio-informatics in combination with field and glasshouse trials requires a multidisciplinary approach. Close collaboration with other institutes guarantees that optimal results will be obtained. Services It is important that research results are transferred to the sector concerned. Our results are widely disseminated by issuing publications, organising demonstrations and lectures and providing services. Our multidisciplinary and creative approach to breeding contributes to high qualitative seed and starting material for small and alternative crops in Flanders. The benefits of research and selection are also widely distributed internationally. More than one hundred cultivars have plant breeder rights or appear on, at least one variety list. Seed merchants carry out the production of certified seed and the final commercialisation. Cuttings of ornamentals are produced and sold through external companies in collaboration with the azalea innovation fund or Best Select. In addition to the research activities focused on product improvement and innovation we manage several services for the government and the professional sector. From research the essential expertise is developed for the genetic identification of varieties using molecular markers. These techniques are applied to determine purity, homogeneity 23

24 and to ascertain whether the cultivar is true to type. Our laboratory is equipped with a flow cytometer to do ploidy analysis specifically adapted to the requirements of third parties (research institutes, universities and companies). Regular contact with different sectors gives valuable feedback about our research, helping to ensure that our efforts are successful. Our unit is involved in EU-framework programmes, R&D projects and the SME-programme of the Flemish government. Research themes Development of markers for assisted breeding and sustainable agriculture - Breeding and molecular genetic research on agricultural and horticultural crops towards the production of biopharmaceutics, functional food and biofuel - Alternative induction of polyploidy in ornamentals - Improving disease, pest and stress resistance - Fast determination methods and DNA-markers for nutritional value and nitrogen use efficiency of Italian ryegrass and grass-clover - Genetic diversity of agricultural and horticultural crops and analysis of the potential use of wild types - Study of the biodiversity of populations of wild species - Pre-breeding and interspecific crosses in diverse crops - Research towards optimising seed production techniques Services - Technological advice on applied biotechnology for the ornamental sector - Collection and maintenance of the genetic patrimony of fodder crops, open field vegetables and horticultural crops - Development of cultivars, production and delivery of starting material - Tracing, authenticity control and ploidy analysis. 24

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26 1.3 Plant Sciences Crop Protection Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 96, bus 2 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) plantgb@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Scientific director dr. Martine Maes Researchers Prof. dr. Bobev Svetoslav (from15/07 until 30/09/06) ir. Casteels Hans ing. Crepel Caroline (until 30/09/06) dr. Cottyn Bart ir. Damme Nicole (since 16/10/06) dr. ir. De Bode Jane (since 01/09/06) ir. De Dobbelare Isabelle dr. De La Peña Eduardo dr. ir. De Wael Lutgart dr. ir. Heungens Kurt ir. Hoedekie Annemie lic. Van Droemme Joachim ing. Van Poucke Kris ir. Van Vaerenbergh Johan ir. Vercauteren Annelies dr. ir. Viaene Nicole lic. Waeyenberge Lieven ir. Wesemael Wim ing. Witters Johan 26

27 1.3.2 Crop Protection There are four disciplines in our Crop Protection research unit: bacteriology, mycology, entomology/acarology and nematology. Our research is targeted on the development of sustainable pest and disease control strategies. The activities can be situated into three domains: 1) development of fast methods for identification and detection of the pathogens, 2) study of the biology and epidemiology of the pests and diseases, and 3) research on alternative pest and disease control methods, such as biological control or the induction of general disease defence through interference with the plant growth process. Artificial inoculation methods are developed to enable the screening of disease resistance levels in plants and the evaluation of control measures. DNAbased methods are developed and routinely applied for identification and detection of specific pests or diseases and for microbial ecology studies. With these methods it is possible to trace the target pathogens in the complex environment of the crops. Specific sampling schemes are developed where needed. The Crop Protection unit also contains a Diagnostic Centre, in which plants and plant products are analysed for the presence of quarantine and regulated pests, and in which disease and pest symptoms as well as non-infectious diseases are diagnosed. The services of the Diagnostic Centre are available to the government, plant breeders, experimental stations and the general public. Indirectly, the Diagnostic Centre also serves a monitoring function for current phytosanitary issues in the sector, and needs for further research can be defined. Research themes 2006 Methods for detection and diagnosis of plant pathogens Development of molecular diagnostic methods for plant parasitic nematodes, fungi, bacteria and insects Development and validation of tests for the detection and identification of plant pathogenic bacteria, fungi and nematodes Artificial inoculation methods for screening of plant resistance and for evaluation of control strategies Research on specific pests and diseases Bacterial diseases of leafy vegetables, with a focus on lettuce and leek Phytophthora ramorum on Rhododendron and in forestry Puccinia horiana on Chrysanthemum Colletotrichum acutatum in strawberry Xanthomonas fragariae in strawberry Ecology of Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus Biology and control of the root knot nematodes Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax in field production of vegetables A survey of plant parasitic nematodes in grass fields and cyst nematodes in field cultures Spider mites in tree-nurseries Disease control Safe recirculation of nutrient solutions in soilless cultures through effective sterilisation techniques Enhancement of disease resilience through the use of composts Inventorising the natural enemies of spider mites in tree nurseries Inventorising the natural enemies of aphids and the witlof chicory fly in the culture of witlof chicory roots Scientific support of the warning system for pests in ornamental plants Optimising the management of insect pests (especially grubs) using entomopathogenic nematodes Explorative basic research in the interface of agriculture and the green environment Bleeding disease of horse chestnut More expertise Watermark disease of willows Interaction between plant parasitic nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.), helm grass and natural nematode antagonists in a dune environment Services Diagnostic Centre for Plants 27

28 Plant Sciences 1.3 Crop Husbandry and Environment Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 109, bus 1 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) PlantTO@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Scientific director Prof. dr.h.c. dr. ir. Lucien Carlier Researchers dr. ir. Barbara Chaves (since 1/03/06) ir. Sofie Devacht ing. Nadine De Bel (until 31/07/06) dr. ir. Alex De Vliegher ing. Hendrik Engels (until 31/05/06) ir. An Jamart (until 30/06/06) dr. ir. Peter Lootens ing. Bram Marynissen ing. Anja Ritserveldt dr. ir. Bart Vandecasteele (since 1/09/06) ing. Kurt Vandenhecke (since 1/07/06) ing. Walter Van Keirsbulck ing. Chris Van Waes ir. Koen Willekens 28

29 1.3.3 Crop Husbandry and Environment The mission of the research domain Crop Husbandry and Environment is to explore research activities in order to maintain a sustainable agricultural and horticultural production. The domain examines the impact of agricultural activities on yield and quality and on the environment, in the framework of a multifunctional goal for a sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Caring for quality is a permanent concern and the accreditation of some chemical analyses (crude ash, crude protein, crude fibre, NDF, ADF, ADlignin and starch) according to ISO is in the final phase. On the social level, there is a permanent concern for a good communication with all the actors: the Government, the producers and the consumers. An annual update of the descriptive and recommended list for agricultural species is edited. The cooperation with the activities of the Agricultural Centre for Forage Crops is very intensive, and advice and support is given. There is an extensive networking on national and international level, covering different EU actions, COST activities, federal and Flemish cooperation programmes with countries in Central and Eastern Europe, etc. The applied fundamental research in crop husbandry pays special attention to the C storage capacity of grasslands and urban ecosystems, the influence of tillage activities on erosion, nitrate leaching, the use of farm-made compost and the influence of a lower input of external production means on yield and quality of agricultural productions and their environment. The further development of organic farming and the co-existence with classic and GMO farming is under investigation. In the frame of the EU Regulation 53/2003, the VCU trials of all agricultural species and the DUS tests of some species for the redaction of the national catalogue of agricultural species are carried out as a mandated activity for the Administration ABKL. For DG SANCO visits to the comparative trials for grasses will be organised in The fundamental ecophysiological research focuses on the photosynthesis of crops (grasses, maize, chicory ) in stress situations. Research is developed for a morphological characterisation of crops and varieties by image analysis. Preparations are made to organise an event in 2007 for 75 years of plant breeding research in Merelbeke and the 14th EGF symposium in Gent on 3-5 September on the subject Permanent and temporary grassland: plant, environment and economy. Research themes Crop Husbandry and Environment Sustainable crop production systems Grass/clover, production and feeding value N-efficiency of forage crops Energy crops Co-existence (GMO, non-gmo, organic farming) Minimum tillage, soil food web and use of compost. Evaluation of plant species and varieties Redaction of new criteria in the frame of e.g. changed legislation Varieties for organic farming. Plant characteristics: morphology, physiology and developing processes Morphologic characterisation of plant parts via image analyses Developing screening techniques for cold stress based on plant physiology. Plant quality, water and soil management Optimising and quantification of C-storage under grassland Research on chemical, physical and physicochemical and non-destructive analysing techniques for the evaluation of plant material, soil, substrate, manure and water. Services DUS and VCU research (national and EU variety catalogue for agricultural crops), descriptive and recommended variety list and support of the seed control Technological Advisory Service FarmCOMPOST Laboratory: quality/composition of plants, soil, substrate and water Cooperation Flanders with Central- and Eastern-Europe Damage on pastures and arable land by wintering geese 29

30 1.4 Technology & Food Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) T&VPI@ilvo.vlaanderen.be T&VAT@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Brusselsesteenweg 370 B-9090 Melle Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) T&VBU@ilvo.vlaanderen.be Scientific directors Product Quality and Innovation dr. Marc De Loose Food Safety dr. Marc Heyndrickx Business Unit and Service Centre dr. Lieve Herman Agricultural Engineering Prof. dr. ir. Bart Sonck Researchers Product Quality and Innovation lic. An Braekman dr. Katleen Coudijzer dr. Jan De Block ir. Isabel De Boosere ing. Willy De Ville ir. Sofie De Wispelaere ir. Barbara Duquenne (since 01/10/06) lic. Saskia Leleu (since 13/11/06) lic. Sophie Marchand Msc. Asad Maroufi ing. Martine Merchiers dr. Nina Papazova ir. Karen Smet dr. ir. Isabel Taverniers 30

31 Researchers Food Safety dr. Nadine Botteldoorn (until 31/03/06) dr. apr. Els Daeseleire lic. Valerie De Jonghe dr. ir. Koen De Reu ing. Herman De Ridder dr. ir. Hendrik De Ruyck dr. Johan Goris (until 30/06/06) dr. ir. Koen Grijspeerdt dr. ir. Winy Messens ir. Sigrid Ooghe drs. Davy Persoons (since 06/11/06) lic. Bjorn Possé (until 31/01/06) ing. Wim Reybroeck dr. Patsy Scheldeman dr. ir. Els Van Coillie ir. Els Van Pamel (since 01/11/06) ir. Geert Van Royen dr. ir. Geertrui Vlaemynck lic. Hadewig Werbrouck Researchers Agricultural Engineering ir. Jeroen Baert ing. Katrien Boussery ir. Pascal Braekman ir. Eva Brusselman ir. Hendrik Cnockaert (until 30/09/06) dr. ir. Peter Demeyer ing. Geert Dhaenens (from 28/08 until 31/10/06) dr. ir. Willy Dierickx dr. Nicoline Geverink (until 30/06/06) ing. Els Goossens ir. Veerle Hostens (until 31/03/06) ir. Nele Lauwers (since 24/07/06) ir. Ludo Maeghe (since 01/07/06) ir. Willem Maertens lic. Griet Nijs (until 30/06/06) ir. David Nuyttens dr. ir. Teunis Bastiaan Rodenburg (until 30/06/06) dr. Frank Tuyttens (until 30/06/06) ir. Jürgen Vangeyte ing. Annelies Van Nuffel lic. Els Van Poucke (until 30/06/06) ir. Stijn Windey 31

32 1.4.1 Product Quality and Innovation Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115, bus 2 B-9820 Merelbeke Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) Brusselsesteenweg 370 B-9090 Melle Tel.: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) T&VPI@ilvo.vlaanderen.be T&V-PI performs research aimed at improving the functional quality of food as well as the control of the authenticity to better protect the consumer and to improve the market position of the Flemish producer in the framework of durable production and processing methods. For fraud control, methods are tested to determine the species and treatment authenticity and extensive research is carried out concerning genetic modified organisms (GMOs). The last item deals with GMO characterisation and detection, and with the correct implementation of the GMO regulations in the EU, inclusive aspects of co-existence and non-gmo agriculture systems. Chemical-physical and technological research is carried out for innovative functional food products and quality improvements connected with stability, composition, taste, processing and shelf life of dairy products. Product development on the scale of the farm dairy producer is another important aspect. T&V-PI Research themes 2006 Authenticity Methodology development for stability, shelf life and taste of dairy products Methodology development for authenticity of product composition and processing (milk, milk products, honey) Product quality Stability of dairy products with long shelf life Characterisation of psychrotropic Pseudomonas and its heat-resistant enzymes in raw and heatprocessed milk Product development Processing and quality of milk with modified milk fat composition (functional food) Development of functional drinks with healthpromoting properties Development of dairy products for dairy farm producers GMOs Integrated approaches for screening and identification of GMOs (including non-approved GMOs) Co-existence and traceability of GMO and non-gmo supply chains Sustainable introduction of GMOs in European agricultural systems T&V-PI is involved in many bilateral, national and international research projects and its research is based on a multidisciplinary approach and close cooperation with other institutes. The obtained knowledge is valorised by the publication of results and the organisation of seminars and workshops. 32