PlantStrength: Strengthening interdisciplinary research on the biology of and interactions between different pest groups and beneficials for sound plant protection in cereals

Interactions between pest groups, beneficials, climate and crop plants forces us to communicate across disciplines and view crop protection no longer in isolation of a particular pest group, but in the wider context of multiple, interwoven processes. We believe competence in this area is highly relevant for Norwegian agriculture and international research initiatives. MAJOR GOAL: Interdisciplinary research on cereal pest groups to improve current decision support systems, design simulation models and establish multiple pest models SUB GOALS: WP1: Oats: Identify key areas of Fusarium langsethiae epidemiology; sources of inoculum, ways of dispersal, susceptible growth stages and weather factors to design disease and mycotoxin simulation models. WP2: Winter wheat: Establish data sets with relevant abiotic and biotic parameters to describe Stagonospora nodorum ascospore survival, the effect of aphid pathogenic fungi on their insect host, phenology of the weeds (Elymus repens and Impatiens glandulifera), and the interactions between the pests and conventional control measures to design simulation models. WP3: Build competence in developing, programming and implementing computer pest models relevant for sound pest management in cereals and other crops. PROJECT LEADER: Andrea Ficke WP1 LEADER: Ingerd Skow Hofgaard. WP2 LEADER: Ingeborg Klingen. WP3 LEADER: Therese W. Berge.