The beet weevil (Lixus juncii) has been spreading steadily in Switzerland since around 2019 and is causing increasing damage to beetroot and Swiss chard. Despite the growing importance of this pest, little research has been done on the biology of L. juncii. Furthermore, there are no approved plant protection products available for either organic or conventional beetroot production, and alternative measures have hardly been tested to date.
The project is crucial to ensuring the long-term supply of Swiss organic beetroot. The aim is to use a systemic approach to test various methods and combinations to reduce both infestation in the field and damage to the beetroot in such a way that production remains ecologically and economically viable.
Project manager
