Dossier

Biological control of pests and diseases

Biological control can play a major role in a resilient cultivation system, by using natural enemies of fungi, bacteria and pest insects. It is possible to design a cultivation system that is largely able to contain diseases and pests on its own with biological control. This largely dispenses with the need for chemical crop protection.

Researchers of Wageningen University & Research study all the organisms in the system, from micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria, to macro-organisms such as predatory mites and parasitoid wasps.

Read more about resilient cultivation systems

Resilient cultivation systems are systems in which the natural enemies of diseases and pests play a major role. They largely dispense with the need for chemical crop protection.

In resilient cultivation systems, useful micro and macro-organisms are present right at the start of the crop’s life cycle. These organisms step in to do their work at the first sign of a pest or disease. If the crop is still in danger of being damaged, the grower can use a specific biological crop protector.

Understand every facet of the system

A smart cultivation environment like this is only possible if we fully understand every facet of the system: of the diseases and pests themselves, of their natural enemies and of the way the plants respond to these organisms. It is also important to have knowledge of what goes on in every tier of the system. We must be clear about how the organisms react to each other and how they function, as well as understand their genetic make-up.

This entire area is one of the research fields at Wageningen University & Research. The researchers study all the organisms in the system, from micro-organisms such as fungi and bacteria, to macro-organisms such as predatory mites and parasitoid wasps.

Disease suppressive soil

A disease suppressive soil with resilient plants is a tool for integrated pest and disease management. This is why our research is focusing on the stimulation of the resilience of cropping systems where the natural (beneficial) microorganisms as well as physical and chemical soil properties play a crucial role. The enormous diversity of microorganisms in soils, substrates and plants is - through mechanisms such as competition, antagonism and predation – contributing to the suppression of pests and diseases.

Our research focuses on the development of management strategies as well as on the understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The investigated microbial population also form a rich source of new compounds and genes (antibiotics, enzymes, etc.).

Contact our experts