Navigation

The Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Urban Green develops resistant and sustainable methods for the protection of horticultural crops in integrated and organic plant production and for the adaptation of urban green space to future requirements. In addition to research and development, there are the two other legally defined areas of activity: policy advice and statutory tasks within the framework of the authorisation of plant protection products and variety resistance tests.

Research

The institute conducts research on the different divisions in horticulture: vegetables, ornamental, medicinal and aromatic plants, hops and nursery crops. In urban green, the ecosystem services and multifunctionality of horticultural crops in urban cultivation systems (urban agriculture, urban gardens) are studied. To keep plants healthy, the institute conducts studies on the occurrence, biology, and treatment of pathogens and pests in the aforementioned horticultural crops; in addition to vertebrates that damage plants. To promote targeted plant protection, the institute improves existing methods with regard to sustainability.

Statutory tasks

The tasks, which are defined by law or are carried out in official assistance, concern the assessment and evaluation of plant protection products and active substances, in the horticultural and special crops mentioned. For this purpose, the Institute cooperates with official plant protection services. The Institute also performs tasks within the framework of the National Reference Laboratory. In addition, it tests the resistance of varieties and candidate varieties to harmful organisms and conducts resistance tests for the Federal Plant Variety Office.

Policy advice

The fulfilment of statutory tasks as well as the knowledge and experience gained from research activities enable the Institute's scientists to provide sound advice to politicians in federal ministries and the federal government.