 He then attended the University of Würzburg for graduate studies under Julius von Sachs, was awarded his PhD in 1874 and stayed some time as Sachs' assistant.During the years 1876−1890 he worked at the Prussian Institute for Horticulture and Viticulture ("Königlich Preussische Lehranstalt für Obst- und Weinbau") in Geisenheim, Rheingau where he led its experimental station for plant physiology.In 1891 he returned to Switzerland as director of the newly created Experimental Station and School for Horticulture and Viticulture ("Versuchsstation und Schule für Obst-, Wein- und Gartenbau") in Wädenswil, where he stayed until his 1924 retirement.