Department of Biological threats

Aims and activities

The mission of the department is to examine non-native invasive species of microorganisms – tree pathogens – that are dangerous to the environment of the Czech Republic and to create measures to mitigate their impact. Measures are developed for all types of vegetation and greenery systems, from natural biotopes to various production stands, plantings outside of forests, urban greenery, and monumental trees. 

The mission is accomplished by the following activities: 

Assessment of the diversity of non-native introduced species, identification of key species (potential transformers), preservation of their gene pool and their further research (ecology, epidemiology, etc.). 

Assessment of the impact of invasions and changes in the diversity and structure of invaded stands and communities, creation of statistical models and development of predictions for the Czech Republic. 

Development of tools to reduce the impact of invasive species (mitigation and adaptation measures; integrated protection), research on tree resistance, selection and conservation of resistant genotypes and resistant breeding; research on genetic erosion of trees, conservation of tree gene pool. 

News (in Czech)