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 Final Conference of the EU project REACT:
Innovative Pest Control: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Invasive pests 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
Opening in April 2026
Call for abstracts
We warmly invite submissions for on-site paper 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
Registration fees will be detailed after 1 April 2026.
However, reduced registration fees will be available for IOBC-WPRS members. Visit the IOBC-WPRS website to view all the benefits and complete the membership form.
Young Scholar Travel Grants
We can offer financial support to a limited number of presenting students from the WPRS region. We will waive the registration fee and cover some of the travel costs.
Further information will be shared after 1 April 2026.
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: The journey from the airport to the OAC takes around 35–40 minutes.
- By bus: Take a bus from the airport to the city of Chania, and then another bus to Kolymbari. Buses from Chania to Kolymbari run approximately every 30 minutes. The OAC is located 1.5 km from the Kolymbari bus stop. For schedules, please contact the Chania Public Bus Service (KTEL): +30 28210 93052.
- Group transfers: If several delegates arrive on the same flight, the OAC can organise group transfers from Chania Airport to the venue using its own or contracted buses (with 16–50 seats). Prices depend on the number of participants and the size of the bus.