Research projects
Nema-Sens: Definition of functional climate conditions for the successful use of entomopathogenic nematodes
Begin December 2021, duration 3 years
Insect-pathogenic nematodes have long been used with great success against insect pests in the soil. However, the control success on plant surfaces has been little researched and is highly dependent on the microclimatic conditions (humidity and temperature) prevailing there.
This project aims to define optimal application conditions in apple orchards and develop adapted climate strategies for applications in greenhouses.
The target organism in the field is the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and in the greenhouse the invasive tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), both pests that are spreading rapidly and have already developed resistance to almost all available chemical insecticides.
The project is being carried out as a joint project by the following partners:
- e-nema Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie und biologischen Pflanzenschutz
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel