Plant Protection and Biodiversity

This division investigates and develops practical solutions for controlling plant diseases in fruit, wine, vegetable, and field crop production. An emphasis is the replacement of copper-based fungicides in pome fruit, grape, and potatoes. In terms of pest management, this division is investigating whether tailor-made, ecologically productive plant structures in and around croplands are able to promote the development of populations of beneficials. Well-timed releases of beneficial organisms to control problem pests are also being tested. The division is also working on various approaches to the ecological upgrading of organic operations.