“I’ve always enjoyed finding solutions”

Before Andreas Gertz joined KWS and started breeding oilseed rape there in 2002, he had already come into contact with his future employer: His doctoral studies focused on rye, the passion of his then boss, who collaborated with the company Lochow-Petkus. Andreas Gertz began his career in oilseed rape breeding in 1989 at a Danish company – until the opportunity arose to succeed Hans Baukloh, who had established the oilseed rape program at KWS in the 1970s and supervised it until he retired in 2005. In February, Andreas Gertz himself retired – but not before telling us how the crop has evolved from a pipsqueak into the market leader during his time with us.

Mr. Gertz, when you look back on your 23 years at KWS: What has been the most defining aspect in this time?
Definitely hybrid breeding. And the department has grown enormously. It was still very tiny to begin with. Now there are 18 colleagues in Einbeck, and a few more when you include Momont in France and KWS UK. But it also needs to be said: In the beginning, oilseed rape went through a lean period. The first hybrid gained approval in 1998 and actually sold pretty well in certain markets, though nowhere near on today’s scale. But KWS had staying power.

Did you succeed?
Yes, but the restorer gene was linked to other negative genes. For example, it influences the oilseed rape grain’s glucosinolate content, a natural defense compound that limits the use of the rest of the grain as animal feed after oil extraction and should therefore be as low as possible.

TASSILO KWS was the first variety in 2007 where we achieved that. However, there was also a positive property linked to the restorer gene: higher pod shatter resistance. The pod should not open in the field, but only in the combine harvester. The FACTOR KWS variety was our first in 2014 to combine low glucosinolate content with greater shatter resistance. The system is now so good that we no longer need to pay attention to the restorer gene, but can focus on other properties in the breeding program: With IVO KWS and ERNESTO KWS, we’ve achieved an improved oil content with high yields and gained an appreciable market share in Germany. And with our latest variety, KWS VAMOS, we’re now the market leader for the first time.

Your successor is now taking on this task. How have you passed on your experience with our oilseed rape?
Quddoos Muqaddasi joined KWS from a competitor’s cereal breeding team more than two years ago – knowing he would be my successor. That gave him enough time to familiarize himself with oilseed rape and understand the structures and mechanisms at KWS.

As head of oilseed rape breeding, what was important to you as regards your team?
I could always rely on my colleagues. Everyone takes the initiative to ensure that things run smoothly in their area. This high degree of responsibility brings stability and security. That’s something we definitely need to preserve.

What are your plans for your retirement?
I haven’t planned everything down to the last detail, but I’d like to spend more time on certain things. For example, my small hobby farm with goats. And my garden – up to now, I’ve had too little time for it in the summer during the oilseed rape season. I also enjoy hiking. Now I’d like to tackle longer distances. In the summer, I intend to cross the Alps.

What will you miss?
Daily contact with my colleagues and the professional challenges. I’ve always enjoyed finding solutions. |