The 26th annual meeting of the Working Group on Biological Control took place from March 20-21, 2024 at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Bioresources Division, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen. A big thank you to Dr. Kwang-Zin Lee, who heads the department 'Pest and Vector Insect Control' there, and who had made himself available as an organizer on site. Special thanks go to him and the people who supported him for the smooth organization, the hospitality and the good atmosphere during the event with over 50 participants from science and industry.
- Presentation, discussion, and exchange of experiences regarding current, practically relevant research works and results in the field of Biological Crop Protection.
- Deliberation on current challenges and opportunities within biological crop protection.
- Facilitating networking between research, industry, and practical application in the field.
- Search for potent antagonists and bio-based agents.
- Understanding the mechanisms of action of antagonistic organisms.
- Developing and optimizing the efficacy of preparations.
- Improving formulations and their applications.
- Combatting soil-borne pathogens and pests.
- Exchange of methods.
- Plant microbiomes.
- Microbial ecology and biological control.
- Biostimulants.
The task of the working group, established in the spring of 1996, is to present current research findings during annual meetings. Additionally, the group aims to intensify collaboration both within Germany and with working groups in neighboring countries. By specifically inviting guests, related fields (such as mass production of insect-pathogenic microorganisms) that are expected to provide significant insights are also included.