Plant Protection

The Research area Plant Protection develops and tests practical strategies against harmful organisms: protective measures that secure the harvest and are safe for the handler, the consumer and the environment. These research activities cover all areas of agriculture in South Tyrol and focus on the following key points:

  • studying the biological and ecological context of pests and beneficial organisms
  • development and testing of organic, biotecnical and alternative methods to fight against and regulate the numbers of harmful organisms
  • studies on the impact of plant protection measures on agro-ecosystems and the environment
  • studying the development of resistance in harmful organisms and devising new strategies to prevent it
  • testing the effects and side effects of pesticides
  • tests on plant propagation material as prescribed by the governing health regulations
  • diagnostic screening of plant samples for harmful organisms
  • identification of harmful organisms, consultation and information services

 

Contact


Applied Entomology

Entomology studies the biological and ecological context of pests and beneficial organisms. Special attention is paid to the development of alternatives to chemical-based pesticides. The occurrence of pests in various crops is continuously tracked and documented. The Laimburg Research Centre engages in:

  • baseline studies on the biology of pests and beneficial organisms
  • development and testing of organic, biotecnical and alternative methods
  • studies on the development of resistance in harmful organisms
  • monitoring of the most harmful pests and organisms in agriculture
  • research on potentially harmful effects of pesticides on bees

 

Contact

Dr. Manfred Wolf
+39 0471 969 643
manfred.wolf@laimburg.it


Invasive Pests

Invasive pests are non-autochthonous insects whose introduction is linked to an increase in trade and traffic. Research activities linked to invasive pests focus on:

  • baseline studies on the biology of non-native insects
  • monitoring of occurrence and spread
  • recording of population dynamics and infestations
  • research into control measures

 

Contact

 


 

The Group Phytopathology studies the biological and ecological context of harmful fungi and bacteria. Special attention is paid to the development of alternatives to chemical-based plant protection. The portfolio includes:

  • baseline studies on the biology of pathogenic agents
  • development and testing of antagonists and plant extracts to fight parasites
  • studies on the development of resistance in harmful organisms
  • development of new strategies in plant protection

Contact


The Group Testing Plant Protection Products conducts pharmaceutical tests to determine the effect of plant protection products on specific organisms and their side effects on the environment. The results provide the basis for recommendations given in the specialist consultation services. Among the division's priorities are:

  • testing of new plant protection products before their introduction to fruit-growing and viticulture
  • studies to determine the side effects of agents on plants and beneficial organisms
  • application-method testing to determine the ideal time and strategy to use plant protection products
  • development of anti-resistance strategies

 

 


 

Contact

Testing Plant Protection Products in Fruit Growing

 

Testing Plant Protection Products in Viticulture

Testing Plant Protection Products for Berries and Stonefruit

 

Healthy seed stock is a prerequisite for successful agriculture.

The Laboratory for Virology and Diagnostics monitors plant propagation material in fruit-growing, viticulture, vegetable cultivation and ornamental plant growing – in strict accordance with the governing health regulations:

  • testing of all scion and rootstock nurseries for the presence of viruses, phytoplasmas and virus-like disorders
  • virus tests conducted on all Laimburg vine clones and the entire stock of selected clones of plant propagation material
  • all phytopathological analysis for the Office of Plant Health of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen-South Tyrol: tests for official health inspections and to confirm quarantine diseases as well as diseases that must be fought by law
  • ongoing tests on the entire stone-fruit population for plum-pox virus
  • screening of seed potatoes for bacterial quarantine diseases
  • diagnostic screening of plant samples for harmful organisms

Contact

Dr. Yazmid Reyes Domínguez
Tel.:
+39 0471 969587
E-Mail:
Yazmid.Reyes-Dominguez@laimburg.it