Profile

Research objectives and focus

The research unit´s objective is to carry out research regarding the optimum use of pesticides in agricultural, horticultural and forestry crops, among other things in order to prevent the selection of pesticide resistant biotypes and to contribute to the further development of decision support systems that can support the implementation of integrated control methods. We also carry out research into the fate and environmental effects of pesticides and other chemicals, e.g. allelochemicals; this includes development of the necessary chemical methods of analysis. The research unit supplies research-based advice to the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Danish Ministry of the Environment on pesticides, carries out efficacy assessments of pesticides for which applications are submitted with regard to approval for use in Denmark and is part of working groups in the EU, EPPO and the OECD regarding pesticides and crop protection.

Research perspectives

The research unit´s efforts will contribute to a safe, efficient and environmentally sound plant protection in Danish agriculture. Our effort concentrates on an optimal and integrated use of the pesticides at our disposal. Through a close, international scientific network we exchange relevant knowledge with foreign research institutions. Our effort also includes the fate of pesticides in which we among other things focus on the risk of leaching and on point source pollutions. The development of pesticide resistance in pests is closely monitored, and we continuously incorporate initiatives that can delay the development of resistance into the plant protection strategies. The occurrence of toxins as a result of fungal infections and the utilisation of bioactive substances resulting from the production of agricultural crops are other research fields.