Crops diseases and pests

The main focus of phytopathological research on cereals concerns the resistance problems with regard to fungicides and the epidemiology of fungal and virus infections.

Phytopathological research closely studies Fusarium disease in maize farming and the consequent problems of mycotoxins. This depends on the one hand on the type of fungus, the type of maize and also from cultivation measures.

For many years now, the main focus of entomological research in maize cultivation has been on the biological control of the European corn borer. The control of this pest has become more complicated after the recent appearance in the Lake Geneva area of a new breed that can produce two generations in one year.

Entomological research

Entomological research into oilseed rape – a crop with more than its fair share of pests – focuses on two main problems: pollen beetles (Meligethes aeneus, M. viridescens ) and cabbage-stem flea beetles (Psylliodes chrysocephala).