Obituary for Dr. rer. nat. Adolf Heißner

As a physicist, Dr. Heißner began his scientific career in 1957 at the former Research Institute for Horticulture in Großbeeren. He dedicated his work to investigating, modeling, and controlling climatic conditions in greenhouses. Later, he expanded his focus to yield modeling of greenhouse crops, particularly cucumbers and tomatoes. His contributions to this field were honored in 1997 at an international symposium held in Großbeeren in his name.

Even after retiring, Dr. Heißner remained closely connected to the institute and the scientific community. During this time, he contributed to a total of fourteen peer-reviewed publications of the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), which was founded in 1992. With his pioneering spirit and keen sense for innovative methods, he continuously advanced new developments. His ideas for a whole-plant cuvette to measure photosynthesis and transpiration rates also contributed to the design of the gas exchange greenhouse, which was opened on-site in 2014.

Dr. Heißner’s legacy as a dedicated scientist and valued colleague will remain unforgettable at IGZ and within the scientific community. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and all who were close to him.

On behalf of all colleagues at IGZ
Dr. Carmen Feller