The IOBC is an international network of science, authorities and practice with the aim of promoting biological and integrated plant protection worldwide. The IOBC-WPRS (West Palaearctic Regional Section) is one of six regional sections and covers Europe, the Mediterranean region and the Near East, comprising 18 Working Groups, 2 Study Groups and 5 Commissions (https://iobc-wprs.org/).
The JKI is an institutional member of IOBC-WPRS, which means that all JKI staff members can participate in meetings at significantly reduced membership fees and download all volumes of the IOBC Bulletin free of charge.
From 16 to 17 October 2025, the IOBC-WPRS General Assembly, held every four years, took place in Mikulov, Czech Republic. During the event, tribute was paid to the recently deceased IOBC Honorary Member Horst Bathon (formerly JKI BI). Several JKI experts were actively represented at the General Assembly, contributing to the work of IOBC-WPRS in various ways:
• Dr Ute Vogler – Convener of the WG Integrated Protection of Field Vegetable Crops
• Dr Nazanin Zamani-Noor – Convener of the WG Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops
• Dr Christoph Hoffmann – Convener of the WG Integrated Protection in Viticulture
• Prof Dr Jürgen Gross / Dr Jannicke Gallinger – Convener/Deputy Convener of the WG Pheromones and Other Semiochemicals in Integrated Production
• Dr Dietrich Stephan – Convener of the Subgroup Fungi (WG Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests)
• Prof Dr Johannes Jehle – Vice President; Liaison Officer of the WG Integrated Protection of Fruit Crops and the Commission Harmonized Regulation of Biological Control Agents
• Dr Maximilian Paluch – Member of the Council; Liaison Officer of the Commission Guidelines for Integrated Production
• Dr Sabine Andert – Member of the Commission Guidelines for Integrated Production
• Dr Annette Herz – Member of the Publication Commission
This active involvement in IOBC-WPRS highlights the strong commitment of the JKI to scientifically sound and practice-oriented solutions in biological plant protection – in the spirit of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
We look forward to further collaboration within the IOBC and to professional exchange at upcoming meetings of the IOBC-WPRS Working Groups!