Plant Protection and Biodiversity

The department investigates and develops practical methods of controlling pests and diseases in fruit growing, viticulture, vegetable growing and crop farming. In tackling disease the focus is on the use of copper compounds on stone fruit, vines and potatoes and on controlling disease indirectly by promoting soil health. Improvements in pest control are brought about by two means: firstly, by growing carefully selected, ecologically useful plants in and around the planting area to promote the development of beneficial organisms, and secondly by experimenting with the deliberate release of organisms that are beneficial against problem pests. The division is also working on a range of methods for increasing the contribution to nature conservation made by organic farms.