Centre for Biological Control, CBC

Plant genotype-dependent biocontrol of wheat diseases

Genetic variation in plants can affect how efficiently biological control agents can reduce diseases. In this doctoral thesis, Sidhant Chaudhary has investigated this variation to bring us closer to

Sustainable tomato protection and the power of the microbiome

In his new thesis, Daniele Nicotra has uncovered mechanisms driving complex interactions within the plant microbiome. The goal is to develop new bioinoculants as sustainable alternatives to chemical

Smarter pest control for faba bean

Faba beans have the potential to replace imported soybeans for plant-based protein products. They are however, threatened by the broad bean beetle. Now, SLU researchers present a new promising,

Innovative biocontrol and gene silencing in Trelleborg

Ramesh Vetukuri was invited to share the latest advances in spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) and biocontrol with farmers and advisors in Trelleborg. – I was invited by Andreas Ekfrost, who is an

Different wavelengths of light can improve plant protection

Plant surfaces are not always a hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria that help protect plants from pests. However, in a new doctoral thesis, Maria Hellström has investigated how different

Beneficial bacteria help plants cope with drought stress

A synthetic microbial community affected both tomatoes and Arabidopsis plants positively when faced with drought. In addition, the treated plants had a richer and more diverse soil microbiome. In a

Transformative changes in agriculture through ecosystem services

Eirini Lamprini Daouti is one of the newest researchers at SLU Centre of Biological Control (CBC). In her research, she explores ways to sustain crop production both now and in the future. She does

Chloë works to promote biological pest control through crop diversification

Chloë Raderschall is one of the SLU Centre of Biological Control’s newest researchers. Chloë is an avid hiker, gardener and photographer who first got introduced to biological control methods through

CBC Highlights 2024

Over the past year, much has happened in research on biological control at SLU. Among other things, there are new findings on plant protection using nanotechnology, weed control, plant protection for

Maria Viketoft is the new Director of SLU Centre for biological control

As of January 1 2025, the SLU Centre for Biological Control (CBC) has a new Director. Maria Viketoft, a researcher at the Department of Ecology in Uppsala, takes over from Johan Stenberg. Maria

Gene-silencing spray to combat cereal disease is safe for the environment

Great hopes are placed on a new way to combat plant diseases, using RNA to turn off genes that the pathogen needs to initiate the attack. Now, researchers from SLU and the James Hutton Institute have

RNAi: A new way to fight forest diseases

Fungal diseases can harm trees, reduce forest productivity, and threaten biodiversity. Traditional solutions like fungicides often have downsides, such as harming the environment. In a new review,