Plant and crop health
Pests, diseases and weeds threaten yields worldwide. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) helps growers and businesses develop sustainable strategies to keep crops healthy with less reliance on chemical control – through smart diagnostics, resilient varieties and biological solutions.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) develops integrated strategies to effectively and sustainably manage plant diseases, insect pests and weeds, supporting the cultivation of strong and healthy crops. From Integrated Crop Management (ICM) and biostimulants to high-tech diagnostics and quarantine protocols, we combine scientific knowledge of pathogens, pest organisms and beneficial species such as natural enemies with technological innovation.
Our solutions help agricultural and horticultural businesses grow more resilient, sustainable and future-proof crops, in line with national and international regulations. WUR works closely with growers, industry associations, crop protection- and breeding companies, inspection bodies, suppliers and policymakers to translate research into practical solutions – tested in laboratories, greenhouses and in field trials.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) and resilient cultivation
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is an approach to managing pests and diseases in arable and horticultural crops. It aims to build resilient production systems with minimal reliance on chemical crop protection. This is essential for achieving sustainable, future-proof cultivation while maintaining economic viability for growers.
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) and resilient cultivation
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is an approach to managing pests and diseases in arable and horticultural crops. It aims to build resilient production systems with minimal reliance on chemical crop protection. This is essential for achieving sustainable, future-proof cultivation while maintaining economic viability for growers.
Biological control agents and biopesticides
Wageningen University & Research develops biological solutions for the sustainable control of pests and diseases. With expertise in natural enemies, biological agents, biopesticides and integrated strategies, we support companies and growers in building resilient cropping systems that rely less on chemical inputs.
Biostimulants
Biostimulants enhance natural plant processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress and could help to reduce input use. Wageningen University & Research supports companies with independent research, validation and implementation — from understanding mechanisms of action and optimising formulations to conducting greenhouse and field trials and integrating biostimulants into fertilisation, irrigation and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) strategies for scalable application.
Plant diseases: diagnostics, monitoring and quarantine
Healthy crops start with disease-free planting material and fast, reliable diagnosis of plant diseases. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) develops and provides diagnostic methods, surveillance systems and quarantine expertise that enable businesses, growers and authorities to effectively control plant diseases and trade safely across borders.
Seed health and phytosanitary research
We support seed breeding companies, growers and authorities with rapid and reliable diagnostics for plant and seed health, method validation and practical advice on phytosanitary requirements. This helps to safeguard trade flows and prevent delays or costly rejections.
Weed management
Weeds are one of the major challenges in agriculture and horticulture. Wageningen University & Research develops sustainable, future-proof strategies for effective weed management. From field robots and vision technology to policy-support research, we help growers, businesses and governments secure yields while reducing dependence on chemical crop protection products.
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Why partner with WUR?
We offer:
- Comprehensive expertise from molecule to field
- Leader in development of biological crop protection
- High-tech diagnostics for lab and field use
- Proven, practice-tested solutions
- Policy advice at national and international level
Contact us
Interested in collaborating on crop health and protection? Our experts are happy to discuss tailor-made solutions for your business or supply chain.
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