Breakfast Club 27: Thursday, 6th February

Dr. Panagiotis Milonas - Entomologist at the Benaki Phytopathological Institute (BPI), Greece

Title: Fruit Volatiles for Fruit Fly Infestation Detection

Dr. Evelyn Van Heese - Scientific Officer of Nematology at the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)

Title: Meloidogyne Enterolobii – Survival under Temperate Climate Conditions and Distribution within Europe

In this video, we will explore two critical areas of agricultural science. First, we’ll dive into the fascinating role of fruit volatiles in detecting fruit fly infestations. Learn how specific scents emitted by fruits attract these pests, and how scientists are using this knowledge to develop more effective detection methods to protect crops. Next, we’ll shift focus to Meloidogyne Enterolobii, a soil-dwelling nematode that’s spreading rapidly across Europe. We’ll discuss its ability to survive under temperate climate conditions and its growing distribution, posing a serious threat to agriculture. Together, these talks highlight how modern research is tackling the growing challenges posed by pests to our food security.