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Dr. Oliver Trapp is the new head of the Institute for Vine Breeding at the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) at Geilweilerhof in Siebeldingen. He succeeds Prof. Reinhard Töpfer, who retired in the spring.
Born in 1983, Trapp studied biology and has led the vine breeding working group since 2017. He has been the deputy head of the institute since 2021. Breeding new climate-adapted and disease-resistant grape varieties remains a key task at the institute, as Trapp explains: "New fungus-resistant grape varieties are the backbone of sustainable viticulture. The Piwi- varieties of the latest generation now make it possible to save 50-80 percent of fungicide applications.".
Research on opportunities to address new pests such as the American vine leafhopper, or drought, heat, and late frosts, will be a focus of his work. Trapp aims to create new strategic alliances and deepen existing collaborations, for example with research institutions in countries that have long been affected by drought stress. The cooperation with the vine breeding program at Geisenheim University will be intensified. Currently, 80 people work at the Institute for Vine Research at Geilweilerhof.
(al / Source: Press Release)