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Nature offers effective antagonists against many plant pests and disease of our cultivated plants. Biological control not only uses beneficial insects such as ladybirds or parasitic wasps, but also employs a wide range of naturally occurring bacteria, fungi and viruses, insects, mites and nematodes, as well as natural substances, to keep pests and pathogens under control and produce healthy plants while preserving natural resources. Biological control methods are of particular importance for organic farming and are increasingly used in integrated plant production.

The Institute for Biological Control is the only research institute in Germany, dedicated to the whole spectrum of disciplines in biological control. We investigate interactions and mechanisms of pathogens and their antagonists. Knowledge of these interrelationships is of crucial importance to develop new methods and strategies for biological control of harmful organisms. Our research work on functional biodiversity captures the diversity and function of naturally occurring organisms and their role in agricultural (eco)systems.

Biological control is an essential tool in integrated plant protection, which combines multiple plant cultivation and plant protection measures against pest and pathogens in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner, thus reducing the use of chemical-synthetic plant protection products. Moreover, our research activities are essential for organic farming.

As part of the statutory tasks of the JKI, we scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of biological pesticides and support other regulatory authorities in evaluating the identity of microbial active ingredients. This is the basis for the registration of these products, which aim to help close control gaps.