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ATK NÖVI achieves outstanding performance in research and monitoring of invasive species

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Dr Jenő Kontschán, director of the ELKH Centre for Agricultural Research's Plant Protection Institute, presents the institution's operation and future plans.

The professional work of the Plant Protection Institute, established 140 years ago, is based on a strong tradition, but at the same time the institute is characterized by a youthful and dynamic approach. In addition to basic research, applied research and development is also carried out at the institute, one of the best examples of which is the CSALOMON® range of traps developed for the biological control of plant pests under the guidance of Dr Miklós Tóth, research professor and head of department. This project covers the entire innovation chain from basic research to development, including product delivery. Today, traps are produced for nearly 200 pests, from which the institute generates significant sales.

One of the main tasks of plant protection is the research and monitoring of invasive species, in which field ATK NÖVI has an outstanding record. The institute pays special attention to the development of environmentally friendly solutions, which can reduce the use of plant protection products, among other things. The theoretical and practical foundations of modern environmentally friendly plant protection and biological control were laid as early as the 1970s and 1980s. Barnabás Nagy, a former researcher at the institute, developed solutions for the ecological control of plant pests that were well ahead of the time.

Plant protection is a mixed field that combines biological and agricultural engineering knowledge. For this reason, the director believes that the acquisition of integrated thinking is already of paramount importance in higher education. At present, however, university graduates – whether they possess a degree in agriculture or biology – carry out their scientific work strictly in line with their field of expertise.

NÖVI provides the infrastructural conditions necessary for modern scientific work. Further training of researchers is essential to deliver relevant results and high-quality publications. The researchers of the institute are committed to producing outstanding scientific work and are also open to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. As a result, the visibility of the institute has increased in recent years, its communication has improved, and the number of domestic and international scientific collaborations has increased.

One of Dr Jenő Kontschán's major goals is to make NÖVI a significant knowledge center that can attract students from abroad. However, among the areas to be developed, he mentions weed biology, for example, which despite its importance is barely present in the institute's portfolio. In the future, the director intends to focus on socially important issues that reflect the real world, combining basic research and applied research. As director, he considers it necessary to manage the work of the institution with a technical and managerial approach.