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Plant Protection

The activities of the research area Plant Protection are aimed at developing and testing practical strategies for the regulation of pests, which on the one hand are suitable for safeguarding the crops, but on the other hand also meet the requirements of user, consumer and environmental protection. In essence, research and trials concern the following main areas of work:


  • Testing of plant protection products regarding their efficacy and potential side effects
  • Optimisation of approved plant protection products through smart and customised application
  • Development and testing of biological and biotechnological as well as other alternative measures for the control and regulation of harmful organisms
  • Studies on the impact of plant protection on agroecosystems and the environment
  • Sustainable management strategies to maintain and strengthen farms and biodiversity

 

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The working group Testing Plant Protection Products examines the properties of authorized plant protection agents and those under development focusing on their effect on target organisms, but also on side effects on the crops and the environment. The results form the basis for the implementation of integrated plant protection strategies and the recommendations in local advisory services.

Areas of activity:

  • Testing of new plant protection products for use in fruit growing, viticulture, stone and soft fruit growing.
  • Examination of the side effects of active substances on crop plants and beneficial organisms.
  • Investigations on the application technique at the best time and the best technique
  • Development of anti-resistance strategies for PPPs
  • Studies on the optimal use of plant protection products in integrated cultivation

 

 

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Group leader Testing Plant Protection Products

 

The objective of the working group Biological Plant Protection Methods is the development and testing of biological and biotechnical methods for the regulation and control of harmful organisms.


Areas of activity:

  • Behavioural and efficacy trials with natural products on pests and beneficial organisms to assess their bioactivity in the laboratory
  • Field trials with chemical messengers such as pheromones and kairomones for their use in monitoring and/or mass trapping of target insects
  • Evaluation of the efficacy of entomopathogenic microorganisms against pests
  • Evaluation of the pest control potential of new methods combining chemical messengers and appropriate insecticidal methods
  • Use of specific beneficial insects to promote biological control of invasive insect species

 

 

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The group Sustainable Cultivation Systems aims to make agriculture in South Tyrol future-proof.

Cooperation with research, consulting, and practice

 
Through close collaboration between research, consulting services, and practice, the goal is to pursue innovative and feasible strategies that support efficient and resource-conserving agriculture.

We focus particularly on protecting non-target areas from contamination, a careful management of available resources, and promoting ecological diversity.

Research results and knowledge of the consulting services are analysed, combined, and assessed for practical applicability. Promising solutions and strategies are then provided to local agriculture.

Development of strategies for practical implementation

The goal is to implement more environmentally friendly practices in agricultural practice and to promote farming that takes into account the needs of the environment, society, and future generations.

Activities:

  • Environmental toxicological studies in water protection
  • Research to prevent pesticide residues on non-target areas (drift)
  • Development of strategies for the implementation of results in practice
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Contribution to local sustainability strategies

 

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