A hub for all aspects of plant health research
Anneli Lundkvist, Chair of the SLU Plant Protection Network, tells more about the work of the network, how it relates to One Health and the upcoming national plant protection conference spotlighting forest, horticulture and agriculture in a changing climate.
Could you provide a brief overview of the network – what are the main objectives and expected outcomes or impact from the network?
"Our researchers explore how to protect crops and trees from diseases, pests, weather damage, weeds and invasive species, and how to create healthy environments for plants. The network promotes and stimulates collaboration between staff at SLU's different campuses, faculties and departments, as well as strengthening SLU's profile in plant protection towards the outside world. The network also connects SLU researchers and external stakeholders and is a platform to share our groundbreaking plant protection research. You can read more about the network and how you can become part of it on our website: SLU Plant Protection Network"
How does the network relate to the One Health concept?
"While the One Health approach focuses on the interface between animal-, human-, plant- and ecosystem health, the SLU Plant Protection Network is a hub for all aspects of plant health research at SLU. Keeping plants healthy contribute directly to sustainable food systems and balanced ecosystems—core goals of the One Health approach."
What do you consider the key challenges and opportunities within plant protection and One Health amidst the impacts of climate change?
"Climate change poses serious challenges for plant health, from new pests, diseases and weeds to invasive species and extreme weather. This threatens food and feed security, with direct consequences for the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. To adapt, we need resilient cropping systems and sustainable protection methods. At the same time, there are opportunities: countries in southern Europe already manage many of these challenges, and by learning and collaborating across regions, we can find solutions that strengthen One Health for people, animals, plants, and ecosystems."
This year’s national plant protection conference will have the theme forest, horticulture and agriculture in a changing climate for a sustainable future. Tell us more about the conference and why you chose this theme.
"As I mentioned in the last question, climate change is a major challenge for future plant protection and plant health, and we need to work on sustainable solutions. The conference is a key platform for interactions regarding plant protection and forest damage between Swedish researchers, interest organisations, authorities, farmers, forest owners, advisors etc. By raising and discussing these questions, we want to create opportunities for dissemination of information, new ideas and new cooperations."
The conference is held mostly in Swedish, but we will have presentations as well as posters in English. You can find more information on the conference website: Nationella växtskyddskonferensen 2025 | slu.se. Last day to register is the 22 October!"