Chemical Ecology

We identify the chemical signals used between animals, plants and microorganisms, and describe the physiological and behavioural mechanisms of chemical communication. Our goal is to strategically plan and promote basic research in accordance with societal needs, nationally and internationally. We apply this know-how and develop insect control techniques for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and urban environments, as well as veterinary and medical well-being, with the overall aim to develop more efficient, innovative tools and to reduce pesticide use.

Our main research topics are:

Insect plant interactions: We study the ecological and evolutionary interactions between plants and herbivorous insects, such as herbivores and pollinators, where chemical signals are important. The interactions are also studied in a multitrophic context, where the influence of other organisms (pathogens, symbionts and natural enemies) associated with plants and insects are investigated. Studies are conducted in collaboration with low-income countries with the aim to increase the knowledge of pests and invasive species, and to solve specific problems in these countries, for example to develop new and further develop existing control methods based in IPM.

Microbial interactions: Microbes connect chemical communication across kingdoms. We study the role of microorganisms in modulating ecological interactions through the production and transformation of chemical signals. Our research aims to identify microbially derived metabolites, that influence insect behaviour, plant health and pest dynamics. This knowledge forms the basis for the development of microbe-based biocontrol and communication disruption for use in IPM.

Pest management: In a changing climate, crop production is increasingly challenged by pest species, both native and exotic, threatening rural livelihoods and food security worldwide. To mitigate these effects, we research novel strategies that utilize insect sensory systems to reduce pest populations in a targeted and sustainable manner. An extensive research focus is on the identification of attractants from sensory physiological studies for use in the selective removal of pests from agroecosystems. Moreover, research is conducted to gain novel knowledge concerning pesticide resistance.

Biological control and ecological intensification: We study chemically-mediated interactions between pests, beneficial insects and microbes, with the goal of enhancing biological control strategies. We explore how habitat design, such as the use of flower strips, can influence the effectiveness of natural enemies and suppress pest populations. This includes studies on how behavioural cues and competitive interactions among organisms can be manipulated. For example, diverting antagonists or modulating multitrophic interactions to strengthen natural pest regulation. Application horizons include the suppression of plant pathogens, control of plant pests by entomopathogens, and enhancing impacts of natural enemies through ecological intensification.

Human and animal disease vectors: We study the chemical ecology, ethology and evolution of the chemosensory systems of disease vector insects and how these are affected by climate change. We plan and promote basic research on the chemical ecology of disease vectors in accordance with societal needs, nationally and internationally, and apply this know-how to develop novel surveillance and control tools to be used within the integrated vector management framework. Our multidisciplinary approach, to study how odour- and taste-mediated behaviours of disease vectors are modulated by external chemosensory cues, internal physiological states and basic genetics, is directed towards the identification of targets for reducing host-vector interactions.