July 22, 2024, Prague, Czechia – The 39th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology (ISCE) in Prague, Czechia, from July 14-18, 2024, was an enlightening and impactful event for the RESDiNET team. Held at the Czech University of Life Sciences, this prestigious conference was themed “Chemical Ecology Returns to Prague”, honouring its 1996 legacy. The event was filled with insightful presentations, innovative discussions, and exciting opportunities for future collaborations.
Exploring chemical ecology and remote sensing
For the RESDiNET project, which focuses on the use of remote sensing methods and tools in forest disturbance ecology, the ISCE2024 was an invaluable opportunity to integrate chemical ecology insights into our research. Understanding how chemical signals can be detected and monitored using remote sensing technologies is crucial for tracking forest health, predicting disturbances, and managing threats like bark beetle infestations more effectively.
Highlights from the conference presentations
Chemical ecology of forest insects
This session provided in-depth insights into the complex interactions between forest insects and their environments. Presentations covered topics such as the preferences of spruce bark beetles for drought-stressed trees, the use of non-host volatiles and semiochemicals for pest control, and the influence of beetle size on host tree selection. The discussions highlighted innovative approaches and the latest research in managing forest pests through chemical ecology.
Application of semiochemicals in sustainable insect pest management
Focused on sustainable pest management strategies, this session showcased the development and application of semiochemicals. Key topics included effective trapping procedures for invasive beetles, push-pull strategies for managing pest infestations in crops, and the use of pheromone formulations in organic farming. The presentations emphasized the potential of semiochemicals in reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting environmentally friendly pest control methods.
Special session: sponsored lunchtime symposia by Synergy Semiochemicals Corp.
A highlight of the conference was the special session sponsored by Synergy Semiochemicals Corp, Canada, where our project Coordinator, Dr. Rastislav Jakuš, presented his latest findings on using semiochemicals to protect spruce forests from Ips typographus. With over 35 years of dedicated research, Dr. Jakuš’s insights were invaluable for anyone interested in forest protection and pest management. The session also featured:
- Luca Deganutti and Massimo Faccoli from the University of Padova, discussing push-and-pull applications against the European spruce bark beetle in the Italian Alps.
- Christian Donati and Veronica Gehza from Risolvo, presenting their experimental results on the push-and-pull technique for protecting spruce trees.
Inspiring discussions and future collaborations
We had a very fruitful and inspiring discussion with Bob Setter, the founder of Synergy Semiochemicals Corp, and Mike Fraser, the chief chemist. Our conversations covered perspectives and field experience in semiochemical applications, as well as regulatory issues related to the effective application of semiochemicals to protect forests. This enriching and insightful dialogue opened new boundaries for future continued cooperation, enhancing our strategies for forest protection.
Also, we had an incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking discussion with Mr. Yiuzhang Cui, the head and founder of Pherobio Technology. With a team of over 300, Pherobio Technology specializes in large-scale pheromone production and pheromone formulations. Exploring potential future cooperation, we discussed enhancing forest protection by integrating advanced pheromone solutions and leveraging remote sensing. This collaboration holds exciting possibilities for pushing the boundaries of forest health and pest management.
For more pictures and video recordings from the conference, check out our social media channels:
- Instagram: @resdinet
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/resdinet
- Youtube: @resdinet
- X: DE_Research_
Stay tuned for more updates on our latest activities and future collaborations by following us on our social media channels!
Final thoughts
The ISCE2024 conference was a remarkable experience, filled with knowledge-sharing, innovative ideas, and the potential for groundbreaking collaborations. We look forward to implementing the insights gained and continuing our mission to protect forests through advanced research and technology.
#ISCE2024 #chemicalecology #forestprotection #remotesensing #pheromonetechnology #sustainableforestry