Thinking about plant protection as a system
Around 1,100 experts from science, practice, consulting, and politics, more than 330 presentations from 50 sections, 212 posters, various panel discussions, and the presentation of two important awards to researchers — these were the figures for the Deutsche Pflanzenschutztagung from October 7 to 10. It is held every two years and is one of the most important specialist events in the German-speaking world. The Pflanzenschutztagung provides a forum for experts from research, government agencies, industry, and practice to discuss current issues in plant protection and present new scientific findings. The motto: “Thinking about plant protection in a systemic way”: Thinking systemically, acting sustainably – where does the future of plant protection lie? How can yield security, biodiversity, and social and economic expectations be reconciled?
These questions were the focus of the conference, which is traditionally organized jointly by FAIRagro Co-Applicant Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), FAIRagro Participant Deutsche Phytomedizinische Gesellschaft e. V., the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture (Plant Protection Office), and this year with TU Braunschweig as the local host.
FAIRagro was represented at the conference with an information stand, which quickly established itself as a central location for numerous interesting discussions. Many students and scientists from a wide variety of institutions talked to us about their daily challenges in dealing with data, made contacts, and took away ideas and suggestions. What we took away with us: a wealth of new impressions, lots of inspiration for our work in the coming months, and the realization that there is a growing willingness within the agrosystems research community to continue on the path towards FAIR research data management in their daily work.