Obituary for Prof. Dr. rer. hort. Helmut Wilhelm Walter Krug
Helmut Krug was born on 6 July 1925 in Schönwerder (Prenzlau district). He studied horticulture in Berlin and obtained his doctorate in 1959 from the Technical University of Hanover with a thesis entitled ‘On the photoperiodic behaviour of certain potato varieties’ in the Faculty of Horticulture and Agricultural Science. In the same year, he took over as head of the ‘Developmental Physiology’ department at the Agricultural Research Institute in Braunschweig-Völkenrode. Following his habilitation in 1963, his career took him first to the Technical University of Berlin, where he served as a Senior Research Fellow and, in 1969, taught seed science and seed production. In 1969, he accepted the chair of Vegetable Crops at the Technical University of Hanover, where he left a lasting scientific mark over many years.
Helmut Krug’s scientific work was characterised by a systemic view of plant cultivation processes. His research focused on the developmental physiology of crops and biomathematical models for analysing the effects of light, temperature, carbon dioxide and nitrogen fertilisation on growth and development. He recognised early on the importance of energy-efficient production systems in greenhouse horticulture and made significant contributions to the use of climate chambers in plant production research.
Krug’s work in 1991 and 1992 remains of particular and lasting significance for the IGZ. Following the evaluations of non-university research institutions in the new federal states, preparations were made for the establishment of the Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Production in Großbeeren/Erfurt. Prof. Helmut Krug was appointed chairman of the founding committee and, as founding director, took on the responsible task of establishing the scientific and organisational foundations of the new institute within a very short time. Under his leadership, research departments and scientific fields of study were defined, administrative and personnel structures were established, and the conditions for the sustainable establishment of the new research institution were created.
His colleagues also recall his personal modesty and his extraordinary dedication: despite his advanced age, he naturally took on the labour-intensive demands of the start-up phase and, during his stays in Großbeeren, lived in what was then the staff accommodation – not always with straightforward access to local amenities. He also had a personal connection to Großbeeren: whilst studying horticulture in Berlin, he had already attended lectures here given by Prof. Johannes Reinhold.
Prof. Helmut Krug’s contribution to the successful establishment of the IGZ cannot be overstated. He shaped the institute’s scientific direction, promoted the development of national and international networks, and played a key role in securing Großbeeren’s long-term status as a centre for horticultural research. His contribution to the institute’s development will be remembered with gratitude.