Institute for Plant Protection in Field Crops and Grassland

With over 70 employees, the Institute conducts research on harmful organisms and weeds which are relevant in arable crops and grassland. It is divided into three working groups: entomology/nematology, weed science and mycology/virology. Also the examination centre for bee poisoning incidents is included here.

The tasks of the Institute are based on the Plant Protection Act and further regulations. Consequently, research and legal tasks are closely linked. The Institute addresses a broad spectrum of research on the biology and ecology of pathogens in field crops. We develop new integrated plant protection methods or improve existing procedures in extensive field and greenhouse experiments. Furthermore, an organic farming area has been used since 1995. The Institute is doing investigations for a sustainable use of pesticides under the National Action Plan (NAP). We are also a respected partner in many national and international projects.

Tasks and research:

Evaluation of pesticides

• Evaluation of the efficacy of pesticides and active substances as part of the national registration process and EU review
• Preparation of evaluation methods and participation at the international harmonization process
• Pesticide risk assessment for honey bees
• Evaluation of benefits of pesticides in field crops and grassland
• Comparison assessments of plant protection methods  
• Development of strategies and monitoring systems for early detection and avoidance of pesticide resistance

Pathogens and biotic harms

• Research on the biology and ecology of pathogens
• Providing basics for decision support systems in plant protection systems
• Evaluation of the resistance of field crops to harmful organisms
• Development of methods for the resistance evaluation

Plant protection

• Development of new and improved control methods for integrated and organic cropping systems
• Risk reduction for plant protection and participation at the National action plan for the sustainable use of pesticides (NAP)
• Optimisation of cropping systems to reduce the harvest contamination with pathogens and mycotoxins
• Risk assessment of GMO crops in terms of plant protection and adaptation of control strategies
• Development and implementation of concepts for site-specific plant protection
• Examination centre for bee poisoning incidents (processing of damage events and biological lab)