Archives: Meetings

Meeting Description

Commission “Young IOBC-WPRS”, PhD Symposium 2026: “Biological Control of Arthropod Pests and Plant Diseases”

This second edition of the PhD Symposium on “Biological Control of arthropod pests and plant diseases” of the IOBC-WPRS Commission “Young IOBC-WPRS” is an opportunity for PhD candidates currently doing their PhD in the field of biological control to share their research and discuss it with their peers, benefiting from the advice and feedback of experienced researchers. This gathering provides a platform for PhD candidates to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other’s experiences.

The meeting will take place at the facilities of ICIA in the Botanical Garden of La Orotava (Puerto de la Cruz). Activities include oral presentations by the PhD candidates, plenary talks by invited researchers, a talk and guided tour of the gardens by the organizing team, workshops, a cultural tour and a social dinner.

More information regarding applications, registration and travelling will be provided in a second circular announcement in early 2026. To ensure that enough time will be available for each PhD candidate to share their research, a maximum of 20 participants will be selected.

Download: Invitation letter (pdf)

Plant Health 2026

The meeting theme, “Unleash the Potential of Diversity,” recognizes the critical importance of diverse perspectives in research, crops, environments, and people as the foundation for resili​ent, sustainable solutions.​

Don’t miss the groundbreaking research presentations, hands-on workshops, and collaborative discussions designed to elevate global plant health through shared knowledge and inclusive engagement. Beyond the cutting-edge science, you’ll find dynamic networking opportunities and a welcoming community.​

​Mark your calendar and plan to contribute to a more innovative and globally connected plant health community!​

IOBC-WPRS WG “Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops (ICOC)”

We are pleased to announce that the 20th Meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group on “Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops (ICOC)” will take place as follows:

Dates: Tuesday, 29 September to Thursday, 1 October 2026
Location: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Campus Alnarp, Lomma, Sweden

Please save these dates in your calendars.

Further details regarding the program, registration, and accommodation will be provided in due course.

We look forward to welcoming you to Alnarp, Sweden, for an engaging and productive meeting.

Meeting website: https://wwwuser.gwdguser.de/~iobc/cmeetings.php

BREBCA 2026, Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents

The 6th meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents” will bring together scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and advance the safe and effective use of exotic biological control agents (BCAs).

The BREBCA 2026 meeting will address key topics including:

  • Assessing benefits and risks of exotic BCAs through ecological, socio-economic, and policy frameworks
  • Rapid deployment of exotic BCAs against emerging pests, pathogens, and invasive plants
  • Ecological interactions between exotic agents, native species, and ecosystems
  • Innovative tools for safety testing, host specificity, and climate-smart agent selection
  • Exotic BCA ecology under global change, including climate and land-use effects
  • Governance and regulation, with focus on international coordination and policy harmonization
  • Ethical and societal perspectives, including stakeholder engagement and communication
  • Long-term monitoring and adaptive management for sustained ecological outcomes
  • Integration with IPM, exploring synergies between exotic agents and other pest management strategies

Contributions fitting in with the topics above are most welcome. Although BREBCA is Europe-based, participation is global, reflecting the central role of biological control in sustainable pest, pathogen and weed management.

Please save the date!

Additional details regarding applications, registration, and travel arrangements will be provided in a second circular in early 2026.

Meeting website: https://sites.google.com/fmach.it/brebca-2026

ECE 2026, XIII European Congress of Entomology

Following the long and successful tradition of previous ECE meetings – from the inaugural congress in Reading in 1978 to the vibrant gathering in Heraklion in 2023 – ECE 2026 continues to bring together the international entomological community to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and inspire future research.

Today, as the world faces profound ecological and sociological challenges, the role of insects has never been more vital – or more fascinating. Insects and their associated micro-organisms are recognized as key allies in addressing a wide range of interconnected societal issues. They provide essential ecosystem services – such as pollination, pest regulation, nutrient cycling, and soil enhancement – and increasingly contribute to sustainable food production, organic waste recycling, and the development of bio-based innovations. At the same time, they remind us of the delicate balance between benefits and risks: while some insects act as pests, vectors of disease, or invasive species, others offer powerful, nature-based solutions to foster ecosystem resilience, improve human, animal or plant health, and support the transition toward a more sustainable future.

ECE 2026 is the ideal forum for exploring this duality and the infinite diversity of insect species, evolutionary strategies, and insect-human interactions. With a rich program of plenary and keynote lectures, symposia, and poster sessions, our goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue – from fundamental science to applied innovation, from the molecular scale to global policy, and from biodiversity conservation to sustainable development.

Website: https://www.ece2026.org

Joint meeting IOBC-IR & ISCP

Joint meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group "Induced Resistance in Plants Against Insects and Diseases" (IOBC-IR) and the International Symposium on Crop Protection (ISCP)

The IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Induced Resistance in Plants Against Insects and Diseases” (IOBC-IR) and the International Symposium on Crop Protection (ISCP) will organise a joint meeting from 19-21 May, 2027 in Ghent, Belgium.

Safe the date! More information will follow.

International Congress on Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control (SIP-IOBC 2026​​)​

Joint Meeting:

58th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology (SIP)

20th Meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group "Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests"

The IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests” covers all aspects of insect pathology and advances in microbial control tools for AgroForest challenges, consisting of the following subgroups: Fungi, Entomoparasitic nematodes, Viruses, Soil insect pests, Slugs and snails & Bacteria.

The upcoming joint conference with the Society for Invertebrate Pathology (SIP) aims to review the latest scientific advances in the field of Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests and promote discussion and collaboration among researchers. The meeting will serve as a platform for sharing the latest advances in research, development, and application of Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control. We aim to facilitate the exchange of information, coordinate joint research efforts, and identify future research directions.

We encourage contributions that share knowledge and experiences related to specific groups of microorganisms used in microbial control.

More information: Save the date (pdf)

Conference website: https://event.wur.nl/sip2026

Biostimulants Europe 2026

ACI’s Biostimulants Europe 2026 conference, already on its 8th edition is taking place on the 4th & 5th February 2026 and will bring together industry leaders, researchers, scientists, and professionals from the biostimulants sector. The conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions on the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field of biostimulants.

By attending ACI’s Biostimulants Europe 2026 conference in Valencia, Spain, participants can expect to enhance their understanding of biostimulant products, their applications, and their role in sustainable agriculture. The event acts as a catalyst for collaborations, innovation, and advancements in the industry, contributing to the overall growth and development of this sector.

Website: https://www.wplgroup.com/aci/event/biostimulants-europe

For more info & registration contact:
Rohan Baryah – Marketing & Delegate Sales, Phone: + 48 (0)61 646 7022, Email: rbaryah@acieu.net

Workshop of the IOBC-WPRS WG “Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms”

The IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Pesticides and Beneficial Organisms” invites you to join the upcoming focused workshop under the theme:

“A NEW CHAPTER: Pesticides, Beneficials, and the Path Forward”

The aim of this focused workshop is to bring together experts to review the outcomes of the 2024 questionnaire, assess the current status of the Working Group, and engage in structured discussions to define future research directions and foster collaboration. Strong support for the revival of the Working Group—expressed by over 80% of respondents from 13 European countries—underscores the relevance of its mission. Particular emphasis will be placed on maintaining the pesticide side-effect database and updating test methods to address new biocontrol products and evolving regulatory challenges, as highlighted in the survey.

During the meeting, a new Convenor and Deputy Convenor will be elected.

Download: First Announcement (pdf)

Registration: https://forms.gle/sUc5db9GQKc4W3vv8

 

Joint Meeting: IOBC-WPRS SG “Integrated Protection of Date Palms” and CILBIA2

The joint meeting  of the IOBC-WPRS Study Group “Integrated Protection of Date Palms” and the CILBIA2, the Second International Conference on Biological and Integrated Control will take place from 09th to 11th November 2025 (IOBC-WPRS: Integrated Protection of Date Palms) and from 12th to 14th November 2025 (The 2nd International Conference on Biological and Integrated Control “CILBIA2”). The participants will be able to attend both meetings at Biskra, Algeria.

The IOBC-WPRS meeting will provide an exceptional platform, to exchange insights and opinions on IPM in date palm with relation to insect pests and diseases. The current status and future strategies for date palm protection will be discussed and interactions will be strengthened between academia and other stakeholders, while enjoying the ancient city Biskra in Algeria.

The prospective sessions include:

  • Biology and Management of Date Palm Pests and Diseases
  • Biological Control of Date Palm Pests and Diseases
  • Semiochemical mediated Control of Date Palm Pests
  • Modern IPM of Date Palm Pests and Diseases
  • Molecular Tools and OMICS Research in Date Palm
  • Climate Change and IPM of Date Palm Pests and Diseases

Each session will start with introductory presentations of 20 minutes by Invited Speakers. General Oral presentations will be of 15 minutes and Poster sessions will be scheduled daily.

We cordially welcome academicians, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, extension specialists, industry, biocontrol companies and growers.

Elections
During the meeting of the IOBC-WPRS Study Group “Integrated Protection of Date Palms”, elections will be held for a new Convenor and Deputy Convenor to appoint those who will lead the group for the next four years.

Download: Announcement (pdf)

Meeting website: https://www.crstra.dz/seminaires/2025/cilbia-2/

Download ePublication: IOBC-WPRS Bulletin Vol. 181, 2025  (pdf)
Working Group “Integrated Protection of Date Palms”
Preceedings of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting on Integrated Protection of Date Palms at CRSTRA-Biskra (Algeria), 09-11 November 2025
Edited by: Waqas Wakil, Tahirine Mohamed, Foughalia Abdelhamid, Dennis V. Johnson and Hamadttu El-Shafie.
ISBN 978-92-9067-368-2 [XI + 57 pp.].

Pherosphere 2026: Workshop of the IOBC-WPRS WG “Pheromones and Other Semiochemicals in Integrated Production”

Dear colleagues and friends,

We are thrilled to announce that the next international workshop of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Pheromones and Other Semiochemicals in Integrated Production” will take place from March 8 –12, 2026, at the Julius Kühn-Institut in Dossenheim, Germany!

Join us as we explore the cutting edge of semiochemical research and applications, from mating disruption and attract-and-kill strategies to the role of plant volatiles, dispenser innovations, AI-supported monitoring, and the future of pest control in a changing climate.

Expect a week packed with exciting talks, vibrant discussions, and plenty of opportunities to unwind — all set in a scenic region known for its vineyards, historic castles, and a proud tradition of wine production and beer brewing!

More details, abstract submission, and registration information will follow soon.
For now, please save the date and share this announcement with colleagues who may be interested!

We look forward to welcoming you to Dossenheim in 2026!

With warm regards,
Jürgen Gross (Convenor) and Jannicke Gallinger (Deputy Convenor)


Workshop website: https://tagung.julius-kuehn.de/pherosphere/

11th Meeting of the IOBC-WPRS WG “Landscape Management for Functional Biodiversity”

The 11th meeting of the IOBC-WPRS WG “Landscape Management for Functional Biodiversity (LMFB)” will bring together the latest advances in research, development and application of landscape management for functional biodiversity to provide opportunity for exchange information, coordinate common research and identify areas for future researches and collaborations.

The 11th LMFB IOBC-WPRS workshop will focus on comparing approaches to monitor and preserve biodiversity in the agroecosystems, to improve pollination or pest regulation, and to diversify habitat and manage plant resources to enhance functional biodiversity, both in the crop and in the landscape mosaic.

All contributions sharing knowledges and experiences on these topics are welcome, regardless of the taxonomic groups, the cropping systems and the landscape scales considered for the management.

Download: Save the Date (pdf), First Announcement (pdf), Second Announcement (pdf)

Meeting website: https://lmfb2026.symposium.inrae.fr

18th Meeting of the IOBC-WPRS WG “Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Temperate Climate”

The IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Temperate Climate” meets every three years and focuses on IPM and in particular biological control of pests and diseases in the temperate climate zone of the greenhouse sector.

The 18th meeting of this WG brings together leading scientists, emerging researchers, industry experts, and practitioners to explore and advance the future of biological control in protected cropping systems.

Held under the auspices of IOBC-WPRS and Wageningen University & Research, the meeting provides a dynamic platform for presenting cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and real-world applications that promote ecological sustainability in greenhouse horticulture.

The 2026 program promises a vibrant and engaging experience. In addition to high-level scientific sessions, participants will enjoy:

  • Excursion to the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs of Wageningen University & Research in Bleiswijk
  • Visits to innovative commercial greenhouses in the Netherlands showcasing advanced biological control strategies
  • Plenary lectures, panel discussions, and a special growers event
  • Networking opportunities and social activities, including a gala dinner and an evening offering complimentary food-truck snacks

This meeting warmly welcomes researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, extension specialists, industry leaders, biocontrol companies, and growers passionate about shaping the future of sustainable plant protection.

Download: Second Announcement (pdf)

Meeting website: https://iobc-greenhouse-wgm2026.org

ABIM 2025, Annual Biocontrol Industry Meeting

The Premier Global Meeting Place for the Biocontrol Industry

The growth of the biocontrol industry reflects the need for a successful biocontrol event and ABIM provides it. ABIM is internationally recognised as the place to do business and discover and unveil new products, to discuss market opportunities, to present new research and products, to learn about the latest regulatory situation and to liaise with fellow professionals from all over the world.

What to expect at ABIM 2025

The year 2025 will mark significant anniversaries for the biocontrol industry: 30 years of IBMA, 20 years of ABIM, and 10 years of the Bernard Blum Award.

  • More than 2000 attendees from over 60 countries
  • Exhibition with over 150 exhibitors
  • Programme focused on hot topics and innovations in biocontrol
  • Large poster exhibition and poster session
  • Professional Group meetings for IBMA members and workshops
  • Bernard Blum Award for the most innovative biocontrol product of the year
  • And last but not least: Anniversary celebration

Website: https://www.abim.ch

International and interdisciplinary meeting  on non-target effects of biocontrolS

Non-target effects of alternatives to pesticides: an interdisciplinary meeting

Because synthetic pesticides are criticized for their harmful non-target effects, important efforts are put into developing alternatives, here referred-to as biocontrolS. But let’s learn from the unfortunate experiences of our predecessors and anticipate the risk of non-target effects of alternatives.

Our aim is to make it possible to use the same criteria to assess the effects generated by biocontrolS developed to protect crops and livestock, and to manage vector-borne diseases. Revealing and comparing non-target effects in all their diversity is necessary to guide the choice of solutions in a variety of contexts and territories. This will also enable us to identify sustainability criteria, essential for guiding changes in agricultural practices.

Why an “S” to biocontrolS? By biocontrolS, we mean all pest management solutions alternative to synthetic pesticides. As expected by the term “biocontrol”, we particularly target techniques and practices based on living organisms (e.g. biological control and autocidal control) and their products (biopesticides, pheromones, etc). Any levers able to control pests, weeds or diseases compatible with agroecological management can be presented and debated.

  • An emerging interdisciplinary topic! Participants who do not work on non-target effects (yet!) are welcome to participate as long as they have a genuine interest and can contribute to the general reflection on this topic. Non-target effects can be observed at different levels and their deciphering requires the integration of a diversity of approaches: environmental sciences, management sciences, biology, linguistics, sociology, health, economics, geography, history, chemistry, psychology, ecotoxicology, information-communication, ecology…
  • The meeting is intended to enable the assembly of the first pieces of a puzzle that will be completed together in the future. We’ll share original results or perspectives with any connection to non-target effects of biocontrolS and, ideally, build the foundations of an international interdisciplinary network to co-construct research questions, contribute to collective synthesis reviews, or set up new collaborations.

As the number of participants is limited to 100, submissions will be selected by a scientific committee in order to best represent all disciplinary fields and the diversity of perspectives around these issues.

For those who wish to attend the conferences, there are still seats available. You can register until August 25, 2025 (abstract submission is no longer possible): https://nte-bc.workshop.inrae.fr/forms/registration.

Meeting website: https://nte-bc.workshop.inrae.fr
Program: https://nte-bc.workshop.inrae.fr/program

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