10th IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting on Modern Biotechnology in Integrated Plant Production
22 – 24 November 2026
The Meeting
The IOBC-WPRS Working Group “Modern Biotechnology in Integrated Plant Production” is pleased to announce its upcoming meeting, which will be jointly hosted with the EU-funded project REACT:
Innovative Pest Control: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Invasive pests, including harmful animals, weeds, and pathogens, increasingly threaten agriculture and horticulture, challenging growers and authorities to protect crops with methods that remain effective, affordable, and environmentally responsible. As some established tools lose efficacy and expectations for sustainability rise, strengthening Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with evidence-based innovation is becoming essential.
This meeting will bring together research, practice, and policy to discuss how genetic, biotechnological, and other innovative approaches can complement multi-tactic IPM. Topics include tools such as sterile insect techniques (SIT), RNA-interference, gene transfer, new breeding techniques, innovative traps, improved surveillance and diagnostics for invasive pests, and the practical requirements for implementation at scale.
A dedicated emphasis will be placed on regulatory and policy frameworks, including risk assessment, monitoring, governance, and cross-border considerations, to support responsible evaluation and potential deployment.
Details
DATE
22.–24. Nov 2026
LOCATION
Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymbari Kissamos, Chania, Crete (GR)
REGISTRATION
The registration has closed. For inquiries and questions regarding the participation, contact iobc-wprs@react-insect.eu.
Call for contributions
We warmly invite submissions for on-site presentations addressing one or more of the following topics:
- Integrated Pest Management using multiple complementary tactics (prevention, monitoring, biocontrol, biopesticides, other targeted interventions)
- Genetic pest control, including SIT, RIDL, gene drives, and enabling technologies for implementation (production, automation, handling, release/logistics)
- Biotechnological approaches for pest control (e.g., genetically modified plants or microorganisms): gene transfer, RNAi plants and sprays, new plant breeding techniques
- Early detection and diagnostics for invasive pests (surveillance, identification, decision support)
- Environmental, socio-economic, and adoption considerations (benefits, trade-offs, stakeholder needs)
- Regulatory and policy frameworks (risk assessment, monitoring, governance, cross-border issues)
We look forward to receiving your contributions and to welcoming you in November 2026
Registration Fees
Please visit the registration page for further details.
Reduced registration fees are available for IOBC-WPRS members. Visit iobc-wprs.org/memberships. to view all the benefits and complete the membership form.
Young Scholar Travel Grants
Deadline for Young Travel Grants has terminated.
Meeting Venue
The 10th IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting will take place at the Orthodox Academy of Crete, located in Kolymbari, in the region of Chania, Crete. The venue offers excellent facilities for international scientific meetings in a peaceful and inspiring environment seaside setting.
Location & Access
The OAC is located 39 km from Chania Airport and 24 km from the city of Chania.
- By taxi: 35–40 min. direct transfer from Chania Airport to the OAC.
- By bus: Take a bus to Chania, then continue to Kolymbari. Buses from Chania run approximately every 30 minutes. The OAC is 1.5 km from the Kolymbari bus stop. Schedules: KTEL website or +30 28210 93052.
- Group transfers: The OAC can arrange transfers from Chania Airport using its own or chartered buses (16–50 seats). Prices depend on group size and bus capacity. If you registered for a group transfer, please follow the instructions provided by email.