The overall aim of this project is to construct, develop, evaluate
and promote an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) System for the
European oilseed rape crop incorporating biological control of
pests,to improve the efficiency, profitability and environmental
acceptability of production and, thereby, to contribute towards
sustainable production of the crop
1.To determine the identity, status and potential of bio-control agents (parasitic
wasps, predators and pathogens) for oilseed rape pests in Europe, to increase
knowledge of their ecology (biology, phenology, behaviour and habitat
requirements) so as to identify key factors affecting their efficacy.
2.To develop by field experiments in six European countries, economically
viable,environmentally acceptable Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Strategies for the European oilseed rape crop that maximise bio-control
of key pests and minimise pesticide use
3.To determine the Socio-economic feasibility, importance and economic
efficiency of the biocontrol-conducive IPM Strategies in comparison with
the current strategy of pest control in oilseed rape in different countries of
Europe, including gains in environmental quality and rural viability, and to
assess socio-economic factors influencing their adoption.
4.To construct a Phenological Model of Key Oilseed Rape Pests and their
Bio-control Agents, that relates their times of occurrence and activity on the
crop to crop growth stage and to climatic/weather conditions, for the integration
of Bio-Control into Decision Support Systems (DSS)
5.To produce Technical Guidelines for farmers, advisors and policy makers on
the improved IPM Strategies for Decision Support.
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