Wageningen UR studies plants and animals in the wild as well as those that are part of sustainable fisheries and agricultural production systems. We do this in many ways. Our researchers map genes, study interaction between plants and insects, design greenhouses and crop management systems and do research on the behaviour of pigs, chickens, cattle and also dogs. Our knowledge contributes to the creation of a good living environment and socially responsible production of healthy and tasty food.
Plants and animals are an important part of the natural biodiversity and are the foundation of healthy life. Understanding how they function is important for the management of areas of nature but also for the development of clean and competitive agriculture.
Our scientists perform a wide range of research on plants and animals. They map genes and their functions and examine chemical processes in plants and animals. They use the knowledge to make food production more efficient and to provide consumers with healthy and tasty food.
Improvements in crop management systems can have an important influence on product quality. These include optimising the balance between crop, soil and environmental factors, and measures such as soil tillage, water supply, fertiliser application and – in greenhouses – climate control.
Research on disease and pest resistance can make an important contribution to reducing the use of chemicals for crop protection. Adopting biological pest control methods can even make the use of chemical substances unnecessary. To improve this natural form of pest control we do research on the interaction between plants and insects.
In the future agriculture will not only be important for the production of food. Diminishing supplies of fossil fuels and the greenhouse effect are forcing us to search for economic alternatives. Renewable organic raw materials are important potential substitutes for oil and gas. Wageningen UR is doing research that will contribute to the shift to a biobased economy.
Our animal scientists are working on livestock production systems that are socially responsible and that are also profitable for the farmers. Wageningen UR no longer focuses exclusively on farm animals, but also increasingly on companion animals such as dogs, cats and horses. After all, animals contribute to the quality of our life in many ways.
>> more about chair groups of Animal Sciences
>> more about chair groups of Plant Sciences