Plants and beneficial insects play an important role in the environment by providing food, shelter and habitat. Insects provide pollination services to many plant species, allowing them to reproduce and spread. Plants also provide food for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and ladybugs. These insects in turn help to control the population of pest insects, which can damage crops and plants. Plants also provide habitat for beneficial insects, giving them a place to live and reproduce. In addition, some plants produce chemical compounds that repel pests, thus helping to protect the plant from damage. Finally, some plants also help to improve soil quality by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil. All of these benefits make plants and beneficial insects a vital part of the environment, providing essential services and helping to keep the natural balance of the ecosystem in check.
Title : Preventing/minimizing development of resistance in fungal plant pathogens to fungicides
Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois, United States
Title : Mycorrhizae and their role in climate resilience in agricultural systems
Mary Cole, The University of Melbourne, Australia