Functional botanical diversity

Project Manager: Velemir Ninkovic, Department of Crop Production Ecology, SLU.

Research Group:  Robert Glinwood and Göran Bergkvist, Department of Crop Production Ecology, SLU.

The overall aim of this project is to develop an approach to crop protection based on specific increases in the functional biodiversity of the crop, delivering stable yields and resilience against aphids with a smaller environmental footprint than conventional control methods. Our previous results from laboratory and field experiments show that chemical interactions between plants may reduce aphid plant acceptance, and attract natural enemies. In this project we will investigate the potential of mixing wheat and rye, to reduce pest aphid populations.

The aim is to contribute to the development of a robust crop production systems based on increased botanical diversity that contributes to a sustainable pest management and to reduce the need for emergency plant protection.

 Our aim is to provide recommendations that can be used by both organic and conventional growers.