Biosafety
Agricultural innovations offer great potential for environmentally friendly crop production, but also pose ecological risks. We investigate the impacts of living, reproducing organisms as well as other technologies on biodiversity and its ecological processes, thereby supporting the safe use and authorisation of such organisms and technologies.
Topics
Biosafety Research Objectives
We study the environmental benefits and risks of novel organisms and technologies in agriculture, focusing on biodiversity and ecological processes. Through experimental and conceptual risk assessment research, we provide scientific evidence to support the safe and sustainable use of agricultural innovations.
Assessment of the benefits and risks of macroorganisms
Macroorganisms are widely used to protect crops from pests. Their use should be appropriate, safe, and in accordance with international guidelines.
Genetically modified organisms for a sustainable agricultural sector
Genetically modified plants, new precision-breeding technologies and biotechnological applications such as RNA-based plant protection products are opening up opportunities for a more efficient, more environmentally friendly agricultural sector. Our research develops concepts and methods for risk assessment and creates the scientific basis for their safe use and effective regulation.
Risks of chemical plant protection products for biodiversity in agricultural habitats
Although strictly regulated, chemical plant protection products are criticised for their potential impact on the environment and biodiversity. We investigate their effects on arthropod diversity outside of cultivated areas, e.g., in flower strips, and furnish principles for improving risk assessment, regulation and conservation measures.
Plastic residues in agricultural food webs
Plastic residues can persist in soils for decades, fragmenting into micro- and nanoplastics with potential risks for soil health and productivity. We investigate their interactions with soil organisms to better understand their ecological impacts.
Protected Site - Site for Field Trials of Genetically Modified Plants
Agroscope is operating a protected field site at the location Reckenholz (Zurich) to enable field experiments with genetically modified plants in Switzerland. The aim of those experiments is to identify the potential and the limitations of green gene technology.
