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Vegetable Field Day at the IGZ: Research and practice in exchange on open-field vegetable cultivation

07.09.2026
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The 2026 Vegetable Field Day at the IGZ’s experimental fields. Photo: IGZ/J. Vogt
The 2026 Vegetable Field Day at the IGZ’s experimental fields. Photo: IGZ/J. Vogt

What happens to cabbage, celery and Co. when research and practice come together? On 3 September 2026, the Leibniz Institute for Horticultural Sciences (IGZ) in Großbeeren opened its experimental fields for this year’s Vegetable Field Day. Around 70 farmers, advisers and others interested in open-field vegetable cultivation gained an insight into current research projects – right by the field and in direct conversation with the researchers.

The focus was on research approaches that combine plant protection and biodiversity: using a mixed cropping system with cabbage, cornflower and white clover, the researchers explained how ecosystems in the field can be specifically utilised for plant protection (ökoZuG-BB). This approach is intended to help reduce the use of synthetic chemicals over the long term while promoting biodiversity in the farming system.

Other stations focused on the quality of vegetable crops. Experiments with various cabbage varieties demonstrated the influence that sowing and harvest times can have on the formation and concentration of health-promoting metabolites in brassica vegetables (VegAMIN, SharpGreens). The results provide insights into optimising cultivation strategies – whilst also taking into account the genetic diversity of the varieties – and harvest times.

Another focus was on regional projects (ROBUSTGemüse) as well as pilot and demonstration projects (HumusFürGemüse, MuD Integrated Crop Production Brandenburg), in which new measures are being tested under real-world conditions. The project managers presented the objectives, experimental approaches, and initial findings from the ongoing projects.

In addition, participants gained insights into research into the cultivation of artichokes under the local conditions in Brandenburg (ökoZuG-BB). The field trials showed that this Mediterranean vegetable can indeed be grown successfully.

Data from ground-based sensor systems (TONIA) and drones were used to illustrate how modern technology can support cultivation. This information forms an important basis for site-specific management decisions in open-field vegetable growing.

“Field days like these offer a great opportunity to showcase current research right on the experimental plot, discuss findings, and work with extension specialists and growers to develop new research questions for vegetable production”, said co-organisator Dr Sophie Stein

Following the guided tour, the participants took the opportunity to engage in professional discussions with the IGZ scientists. The discussions highlighted the great interest in practical solutions for sustainable open-field vegetable cultivation and underlined the importance of direct dialogue between research and practice.

Further information on presented projects

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