Plant Protection
Plant protection has two objectives: to safeguard the quantity and quality of yields in plant production, and to enable profitable and sustainable production.
Harmful organisms (i.e. diseases and pests) lead to substantial yield and quality losses in plant production. In order to develop preventive and curative measures for the protection of crops, the biology and ecology of these harmful organisms and their natural antagonists must be investigated. Based on these studies, new strategies are developed, forecasting models are improved, and the risks of chemical plant-protection products are reduced.
In addition, expert reports for the authorisation of plant-protection products and accompanying research on emerging harmful organisms have the following aim: to ensure a competitive plant-production sector without unacceptable side-effects for the health of humans and the environment.
The findings of the Plant Protection Research Division safeguard agricultural production in Switzerland and make an important contribution to the protection of biodiversity and the environment.
Head
Deputy
Research Groups
Index
Neobiota
Exotic invasive organisms ('neobiota') represent a challenge for the agricultural sector, with the increase in international trade and human mobility encouraging their introduction and spread. Since they can disrupt agricultural systems, studying their ecological traits and harmfulness allows the development of sustainable control strategies. The ‘Neobiota’ Research Group investigates these issues.
Mycology
The ‘Mycology’ Research Group develops innovative lines of research for the sustainable control of the epidemic expansion of fungal diseases, including (i) epidemiological studies, (ii) the creation of new biosourced fungicides, (iii) the development of forecasting models, and (iv) the use of fungi in the degradation and mycoremediation processes.
Entomology and Nematology
The ’Entomology and Nematology’ Research Group studies and monitors domestic and invasive agricultural pests and develops sustainable methods for their regulation. The aim is to establish a modern, environmentally sound plant-protection approach. The appropriate studies for this are conducted in the field, greenhouse and laboratory in close collaboration with practitioners, public administration and external research institutions.
Virology, Bacteriology and Phytoplasmology
The Virology, Bacteriology and Phytoplasmology Research Group aims to control emerging diseases. Its activities combine the use of state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques with greenhouse and field experiments to characterize microbial dissemination mechanisms and develop control strategies.