Research activities of the Plant Health Laboratory
The research activities of the Plant Health Laboratory focus on:
- the characterisation of quarantine and emerging pests in all fields: bacteriology, entomology, mycology, nematology and virology. This characterisation uses approaches based on taxonomy, the population genetics, and the study of pathogenicity;
- the epidemiology of diseases and the dynamics of invasions;
- the mechanisms responsible for the spread of pests including weeds, insect pests, and insect vectors of pathogens;
- tropical and non-tropical pests and pathogens;
- the ecology of invasive plants;
- the detection and characterisation of non-listed genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In parallel, the LSV maintains its analytical capacities at a high level by participating in research and development programmes. To achieve this, the research questions addressed in responses to calls for tenders for national (CASDAR) and international (H2020, PRIMA, ERA-NET (Euphresco)) collaborative projects primarily involve pests, with:
- the biological characterisation and phylogeny of emerging pests or those considered to pose a risk;
- the study by molecular typing or sequencing of the genetic diversity, structure and adaptive potential of their populations;
- possible vector organisms and their geographical distribution.
In addition, the LSV is involved in studying the spread of pests, for example by improving sampling techniques, characterising biological cycles and identifying factors determining the success of introduction and establishment.
The LSV seeks to systematically make known the results obtained, during the most renowned national and international symposia in its fields of expertise and in A and A+ journals having the most significant impact. Training through research, especially doctoral research, contributes considerably to the LSV's research activities.
Research projects
Euphresco projects
Euphresco is a network of organisations funding research projects and coordinating national research in the area of plant protection. The overall goals are to support international coordination and collaboration in the area of plant protection research and to become a strong, long-term network of funders that fully incorporates existing and new members.