MOPM - Impact and risk assessment of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) outbreaks for sustainable management and health risk control in urban and non-urban European oak forests (Quercus spec. L. )
This inter- and trans-disciplinary research group collaterally funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation) and the BMBF (Federal Ministry for Education and Research) investigates the causes and mechanisms of outbreaks of invasive insect pests in urban and non-urban forest landscapes of Europe. The research focus is on safeguarding human health as well as the forestry industry in an increasingly changing environment. We aim to contribute towards and fulfill scientific knowledge gaps for establishing infrastructural actions at a national and international scale.
Project Objectives
The project MOPM (1) analyses and identifies risk factors of outbreaks at different spatial scales, (2) quantifies and models greenhouse gases (GHG) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions during actual epidemics, thereby contributing to a basic understanding of interactions between invasive pest epidemics and C balance (3) develops land use options to prevent OPM mass outbreak (mitigation options), and (4) contributes to implementing human health strategies (emergency actions), using a computer-based early warning internet platform and a meta-database for region-specific impacts of different scenarios of insect infestation and climate change on C and N emissions. Thus, the communication between forestry institutions, environmental and public health agencies is aimed to be optimized.
Project Management
Barbara Spruch
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Büsgenweg 2
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Tel. +49 551 3920 501
E-Mail: bspruch@gwdg.de
Homepage
Last updated on