Laboratory of Agroecology
The Laboratory of Agroecology investigates the ecophysiology of insect pests and their natural enemies on selected agricultural crops. In addition to high-quality results from basic research, the practise – oriented, innovation-driven research also brings new and original possibilities for pest control, e.g. through the use of genetically modified plants or various methods of biological protection, such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes or metabolic products of their symbionts and various plant extracts. Agroecology offers a combination of cutting-edge basic research with practical knowledge and modern technologies. Our aim is to contribute to the research and development of economically advantageous and sustainable methods of agricultural pest control.
Research projects
Side effects of transgenic plants
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The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of genetically modified maize on the biotic components of an agroecosystem. The study will be conducted with maize varietiety MON 88017, which tolerate the herbicide glyphosate and are resistant to rootworm infestation. This pest, which was introduced into the EU from the USA, is spreading rapidly and has taken over some of the country's maize-growing areas. Current chemical and biological control methods are unsatisfactory, so genetically modified maize is being considered as an alternative, provided no adverse effects on non-target organisms are identified. Herbicide-tolerant plants dominate the market for genetically modified plants, but their cultivation is not yet permitted in the EU.
PI: Oxana Skoková Habuštová
Innovation of integrated potato protection against the Colorado potato beetle based on new knowledge of genetic and biological characteristics
The project is carried out in cooperation with the Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, the Research Institute of Plant Production in Prague, the Potato Research Institute in Havlíčkův Brod and the Potato Farm in Havlíčkův Brod and is funded by the National Agency for Agricultural Research (NAZV).
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The project solves the problem of integrated protection against the Colorado potato beetle in a way that has not yet been solved in the Czech Republic.
The aim of the project led by Biology Centre Institute of Entomology (ENTÚ) is to design a system for the effective cultivation and development of a mycoinsecticide formulation based on the already laboratory-tested strain of the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Isaria fumosorosea CCM 8367 and/or newly isolated strains of EPF Bb8 and to verify its efficacy in field trials. From this point of view, the laboratory investigation of the synergism of EPF and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) is absolutely necessary. Research and clarification of the physiological background of the supporting effect of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) on the efficacy of insecticides will provide new insights.
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PI: Oxana Skoková Habuštová
Integrated protection against vectors of viral diseases in seed potatoes and other crops
The project is carried out in cooperation with the Czech University of Agriculture in Prague, the Research Institute of Plant Production in Prague, the Potato Research Institute in Havlíčkův Brod and the Potato Farm in Havlíčkův Brod and is funded by the National Agency for Agricultural Research (NAZV).
The project deals with the regulation of potato virus vectors in the Czech Republic, such as peach aphids, hop aphids and buckthorn-potato aphid. The project offers a very comprehensive solution for the control of aphids. Due to the increasing resistance of aphids to the preparations previously used in Europe, a change of active ingredients is recommended.
The aim of the project led by Biology Centre Institute of Entomology is therefore to develop and test the efficacy of new biological preparations against viral vectors based on EPF such as Lecanicillium sp., Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria sp. and Nomuraea rileyi, testing secondary metabolites from EPN, environmentally friendly botanical pesticides that also have anti-feeding and repellent effects. The project can thus support the selection and registration of new effective preparations.
PI: Oxana Skoková Habuštová
