Structure
Scientists from all over the WPR will be invited to participate to the kick-off meeting of the Study Group to define the main themes and actions. Researchers focusing on systems approaches for IPM in arable cropping systems are especially encouraged to participate.
Activities
Organize a meeting every two years.
Stimulate cooperation between research organisations and policy makers at all levels, farmers’ organisations, advisory services and other stakeholders identified by the Study group members.
Exchange ideas and expertise among group members, and encourage international collaboration.
Develop research activities and propose collaborative research projects among participants.
Achievements
A first study group meeting will be organised by the end of 2020 or in spring 2021.
Keywords
arable crops, weeds, pests, diseases, systems approach, crop rotation, agroecology, cultural control, physical control, biological control
Aim
- Create synergies and optimise knowledge transfer and research collaboration among research organisations with a shared interest in IPM solutions for pest, weed and disease problems in arable crops following a systems approach and integrated management of multiple pest problems;
- Support existing platforms for discussion on IPM issues for arable crop with stakeholders at large, including policy makers at all levels, farmers’ organisations, advisory services, and research institutions.
Besides this innovative approach, more ‘classical’ scientific themes that may be of interest to this Study Group are:
- Multifunctional crop rotations and crop variety choice and selection, with special emphasis on inclusion of legume crops, for prevention of pest, weed and disease population build up and soil fertility.
- Agroecological approaches for arable crop protection (very wide and needs to be defined; connected to the first point);
- The role of biological control of weeds including weed seed predation by arthropods, birds and rodents;
- Management of resistant weeds and pests in arable cropping systems
- Specific pest problems of arable crops such as Diabrotica management in maize and its risk of potential spread in Europe.