This theme develops new non-chemical crop protection concepts including biological control, semio-chemicals and resistance for pests and diseases, to support theme Innovation and management strategies . Aim is to develop methods and agents to control pests, diseases and weeds in a sustainable manner that fits Integrated Pest Management. The program is divided in five groups of projects: fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, weeds, insect pests and nematodes. Projects focus on major problems in fruit crops, arable crops, as well as vegetable and ornamental crops in protected cultivation. The research projects have in general a strategic character and will develop tools that can be integrated in Theme 1. Research themes in the projects include monitoring and detection of pests, fungal spores, nematodes and bacteria, survival of nematodes en diseases, effect of climate on disease development, screening for biological control agents against pests and diseases, sensing and mechanical control of weeds, breeding for resistance to insects and improvement of soil health.
Publications of this programme are available Here |
