We are interested in understanding how biodiversity and biotic interactions contribute to the resilience and functioning of forest ecosystems under environmental change (TOPIC 1).

In addition, we are also interested in preventing damage through management options and reducing the impending infestation of pest species by means of a rapid and efficient introduction of specific or diverse antagonists (TOPIC 2).

Based on our experience on identifying, characterising and utilization of entomopathogenic microorganisms of pest insects, we are particularly interested in gaining a better understanding of the diversity, ecological roles and function of naturally occurring entomopathogens in forest systems. By investigating the contribution of microorganisms to the regulation of insect populations and how changing environmental and climate conditions could influence their occurrence and functions. This knowledge could help us to develop strategies to implement these entomopathogens and their ecological functions into sustainable forest management, thus contributing to a more resilient forest system under future environmental changes.
Another area of expertise is the development of practical implementation strategies for the application of the entomopathogens in forest ecosystems. The focus here is on increasing the efficiency while also considering prevention strategies to enhance the resistance and resilience of forests under future scenarios. One key focus is on understanding the mechanisms that contribute to pest population development and their role as a vector so that we can respond more effectively to it in the future. Changing conditions resulting from climate change are an important factor here.
Please contact Dietrich Stephan (dietrich.stephan@julius-kuehn.de) or Shin Yee Tan (shin.tan@julius-kuehn.de) for any microbial aspects or Tim Ziesche (tim.ziesche@julius-kuehn.de) regarding arthropods in forests.

The Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) is the Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants in Germany and an independent higher federal authority in the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH). JKI has 18 specialized institutes complemented by service units, such as library, data processing, field and greenhouse and administration, with around 1200 staff members, of whom 350 are scientists. The Institute for Biological Control is the only research institute in Germany, dedicated to the whole spectrum of disciplines in biological control. We investigate interactions and mechanisms of pathogens and their antagonists. Knowledge of these interrelationships is of crucial importance to develop new methods and strategies for biological control of harmful organisms. Our research work on functional biodiversity captures the diversity and function of naturally occurring organisms and their role in agricultural (eco)systems. Since decades the institute for Biological Control is involved monitoring the occurrence of insect pathogens as well in forest pest insects like may beetles. Currently, we have a closer focus on oak processionary moth (OPM)s’ associated micro- and macroorganisms, with the aim to forecast their roles in OPM population dynamics and as well to identify potential biocontrol agents (BCAs), and in a further step to evaluate the potential of BCAs for pest control.