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| Molecular Phytopathology | |
| Leader: Assoc.Prof. Dr. Holger Bohlmann Sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes are of great economic and scientific interest. The main model system is Arabidopsis thaliana and the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. We have used genechips to analyse the transcriptomes of syncytia in order to understand the interaction between plants and nematodes. Furthermore, genes that are strongly upregulated or downregulated in syncytia are interesting targets to genetically engineer resistance against nematodes. The second area of research in our group are antimicrobial peptides from plants. At the moment we are especially interested to establish expression systems that would enable us to produce antimicrobial peptides for in vitro activity studies with target bacteria and fungi. This could identify peptides for which only the gene sequence is known for use in plant protection or in human or veterinary medicine. | |
| Weed science and crop protection in arable farming | |
| Leader: Ao.Univ.Prof.i.R. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Johann Glauninger Weed Science: Weeds have, by definition, a negative influence on crops. Our research group studies the distribution of important or new weeds, their effects on yield and crop quality, and the development of effective control methods. A special area of research is the investigation of herbicide resistant types of weeds. Crop protection in arable farming: Topics at the moment are o sugar beet weevils and wireworm-problems in Austria; o selected plant protection measures in poppy. | |
| Agricultural Entomology | |
| Leader: Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Elisabeth H. Koschier The research group addresses current pest problems in agricultural and horticultural practice, studying the biology and ecology of agricultural arthropod pests. Thematic focus is the chemical ecology and the behaviour of relevant pests on their host plants. Objects of the current research are two cosmopolitan Thysanopteran (thrips) species with extraordinary potential for damage: Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci are both economically relevant pests on many horticultural and agricultural crops and therefore especially interesting candidates for case studies with practical relevance. With studies of specific thrips behaviours on morphologically and biochemical dissimilar crop plants we contribute to a better understanding of insect-plant-interactions. Our special interest in this context is the function of secondary plant compounds as signals mediating interactions between arthropods and plants. We research fundamental as well as applied aspects of using natural compounds as attractants, repellents or deterrents to manipulate the host selection and acceptance behaviour of pests. Current projects research the possible enhancement of the deterrent effectiveness of plant compounds against F. occidentalis and T. tabaci by blending them and the potential for habituation (desensitization) to these blends and their pure constituents. Based on the basic knowledge gained in our research we point out the perspectives on behavioural control measures in innovative environmentally friendly plant protection concepts: our aim is the future use of bioactive plant compounds in sustainable pest control strategies for agricultural as well as horticultural crops. | |
| Phytopathologie | |
| Leader: Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Siegrid Steinkellner Our research covers basic and advanced topics in plant pathology. Currently we are researching tomato/fungus interactions in the rhizosphere. The main focus is on signalling events and compounds marking different stages of the establishment of interactions between plants and microorganisms (pathogenic, antagonistic and symbiotic fungi) in the rhizosphere. The understanding of these interactions and their effects on fruit quality is a prerequisite for biocontrol and other applications in practical agriculture. Moreover we address advanced issues, e.g. the performance of soilborne pathogens and pests under different soil treatments in the field. Project-Homepage | |