Introduction
The Department of Infrastructure, Research, and Knowledge Transfer (OIRPZ) focuses on the deployment of technologies to enhance food production and the sustainability of agricultural systems. Emphasizing innovation, its work contributes to a deeper understanding and management of natural and agricultural ecosystems across conventional, integrated, and organic farming.
The department comprises four Infrastructure Centers (ICs), which carry out various research, experimental, demonstration, and commercial activities of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS). These infrastructure centers operate as geographically autonomous units equipped with specialized research and production infrastructure.
Areas of work
Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: - Management of research infrastructure that supports research, demonstrations, education, and commercial activities, ensuring appropriate equipment and resources for agricultural innovation.
Research: - Development and execution of various research projects aimed at solving key agricultural challenges, such as: modern plant protection, optimization of agricultural processes, improvement of genetic resources, renewable energy in agriculture, and the conservation, monitoring, and control of biodiversity.
Knowledge Transfer: - Organization and execution of demonstrations showcasing the practical application of modern technological practices and achievements in various agronomic techniques. Implementation of diverse educational programs, workshops, seminars, and meetings for farmers, students, researchers, and agricultural advisors, aimed at exchanging knowledge and experience to promote innovation and sustainable development.
Cooperation and Partnerships: - Networking and collaborating with national and international research institutions, universities, industry, and agricultural organizations to strengthen research capacities, exchange knowledge, and improve technological processes in agriculture.
Associates
Head of department
Blaž Germšek, PhD
Dr. Blaž Germšek is an expert in modern agricultural technologies, with a focus on hydroponics, robotics, and automation. As Head of the Department of Infrastructure, Research, and Knowledge Transfer at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, he leads development projects promoting digitalization and sustainable agricultural practices.
Researchers
Nika Cvelbar Weber, PhD
Head of the Berry Center Slivnica near Maribor. Conducts professional and scientific research focusing on the development of berry cultivation technologies, post-harvest storage of berry fruits, the impact of production technologies on fruit quality parameters, the introduction of new cultivars, and the management of the berry gene bank.
Professional and technical staff
Darko Vernik
Darko Vernik is an expert in plant selection, maintenance breeding, and seed production. His work focuses on vegetable breeding, plant protection, and cultivar development. Early in his career, he engaged in the selection and breeding of seed species, publishing scientific and technical papers. He actively contributes to developing new vegetable and field crop cultivars, particularly garlic, common bean, cabbage, and lettuce. Since 2017, he has investigated the impact of clonal selection in garlic, the maintenance of native Slovenian cultivars, and plant resistance to diseases and pests. His research also includes controlling the allium leaf miner and onion fly using carrot top extracts.
In 2021, he authored a technical manual on seed production for field crops and forage plants, and in 2024, he presented strategic guidelines for strengthening national seed production at the Expert Consultation on Plant Genetic Resources. His work bridges applied research, practical agricultural solutions, and farmer advisory services, contributing significantly to preserving Slovenian cultivars and improving crop production practices.
Kevin Hartman
Kevin Hartman is a biotechnologist specializing in thermostable enzyme research, molecular biology, and precision agronomic technologies. His research career began with the study of thermostable proteinases and their biotechnological applications, focusing on the enzyme pernisin from the extremophilic archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1.
He has contributed to the development of aquaponic systems and the integration of algal technologies, investigating phosphorus mineralization. His Master’s thesis was recognized with the Faculty Prešeren Award for clarifying the expression and active domain of pernisin in Escherichia coli. As an author and co-author, he has contributed to numerous studies published in scientific journals and conference proceedings.
In recent years, he has expanded his expertise into precision agriculture.
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Marjetka Jene
Marjetka Jene na IC Jablje skrbi za vzdrževalno selekcijo, proizvodnjo višjih stopenj semenskega materiala žit, krmnih rastlin, trav in detelj. Organizira delo in proces dodelave, čiščenja in selekcije vsega semenskega blaga.
Roman Mavec
Roman Mavec is Head of the Brdo Infrastructure Center and a recognized expert in fruit growing who shares his knowledge with both amateur and professional growers. Through publications such as his book Moj sadovnjak (My Orchard), he encourages the general public to engage in fruit growing while conveying technical knowledge in an accessible manner. He is also actively involved in integrating modern technologies into fruit production, including autonomous machinery and orchard standardization to facilitate mechanization.
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Roman Novak
Roman Novak is an agronomist with extensive practical experience based on a holistic agricultural approach. His work encompasses arable farming, seed production, and livestock farming, while also managing the wholesale distribution of commercial produce and seed stock produced at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. He is also actively involved in agricultural land consolidation, overseeing their proper management and stewardship.
Uroš Kavkler
Uroš Kavkler is an expert in plant protection, organic farming, and sustainable water resource management. His work encompasses research on plant disease control, fungicide efficacy testing and registration, and the transition to organic production. In recent years, he has focused on innovative circular solutions for sustainable regional water resource management, contributing to sustainable agricultural development.
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Viktor Zadrgal
Viktor Zadrgal is an expert in seed production, plant breeding, and potato cultivation, with a focus on cultivar selection, growth physiology, and plant development. His research encompasses studies on the effects of gibberellic acid on breaking potato dormancy, which was the central theme of his diploma thesis and subsequent research. He actively participated in the development of new Slovenian potato cultivars, including KIS Sora, KIS Mirna, KIS Kokra, KIS Sotla, KIS Vipava, KIS Krka, KIS Slavnik, KIS Savinja, KIS Razor, KIS Blegoš, KIS Tamar, and KIS Mangart. His work within the potato gene bank at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia has contributed to the preservation and selection of high-quality cultivars adapted to local growing conditions. Beyond cultivar selection, he focuses on optimizing production technologies, including haulm destruction strategies and precision approaches to improve sprouting and tuber physiological quality. His contributions have significantly advanced the Slovenian potato industry and enhanced national self-sufficiency in potato production.
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Žan Mongus
Žan Mongus is a researcher in precision agriculture, remote sensing, and sustainable agricultural technologies. His research career began with the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assess the NDVI index in oilseed rape. He continued by investigating aeroponics in vertical farming, highlighting the potential of advanced hydroponic systems to optimize crop production. He has also contributed to research on optimizing fuel consumption in permanent crops, developing sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural machinery.
Recently, his work has focused on evaluating biomethane as an alternative fuel for tractors, exploring renewable energy integration in modern farming alongside his research team. His work advances agricultural digitalization and sustainability, emphasizing resource efficiency and crop production optimization.
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