A new microplot system for experimental purposes has been established at the Institute for Biological Control in Dossenheim. In future, the microplots will enable research of biological control methods under practical agricultural production conditions.
The system comprises 40 experimental units in the form of plant containers, allowing experiments with different crops. A drainage system and drip irrigation allow targeted water management. In addition, the system is equipped to accommodate various sensors. Soil temperature and soil moisture are already being continuously monitored in the microplots.
The new experimental infrastructure is intended to support research of biological control methods within the context of the entire cropping system. In addition to interactions between pests and their respective antagonists or natural substance, factors such as soil, crop, water availability, and management practices can also be considered.
The new microplot system thus represents an important additional research infrastructure for the JKI site in Dossenheim, supporting the practice-oriented development of biological control methods and the investigation of their integration into sustainable cropping systems.