Invasive species

Every year, new plant and animal species migrate to Switzerland, or are introduced in various ways from other continents. While some are harmless, others cause considerable damage. We help to foster an understanding of the biology of these problematic species, and to prevent or curb their spread.

Alongside habitat destruction, invasive species such as the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), the Asian longhorn beetle and the ash dieback pathogen are currently among the most serious threats to species diversity worldwide. We study invasive organisms and help the authorities to develop management strategies. Since the number of thermophilic invasive species spreading throughout southern Switzerland is particularly high, this is a focus of our research at our site in Cadenazzo (Ticino). At the "Cadenazzo Research Campus", we work with Agroscope, Agridea and the Swiss Federal Plant Protection Service (SPPS) in the area of invasive species south of the Alps.

Improved protection thanks to Plant Protection Laboratory

The invasive species include many types of insects, fungi, nematodes, bacteria and viruses which trigger plant diseases in forests and ornamental trees and shrubs. We diagnose, study and monitor these in our research unit "Forest health and biotic interactions" and look for biological control measures.

The Plant Protection Laboratory opened in 2014 on the WSL site, allowing researchers to work with alien organisms. Here we can diagnose and examine suspected cases of quarantine diseases and pests under strict safety conditions.

Identifying pest infestations as early as possible

"Swiss Forest Protection" runs a monitoring system in order to protect our forests from native and non-native forest pests and diseases. This consists of a dense network of observers. Swiss Forest Protection advises forest owners and rangers, helps to identify organisms, regularly conducts surveys with forestry services and organises training courses.

Related topics

Invasive organisms in southern Switzerland

We investigate how environmental factors and disturbance events influence the establishment and spread of invasive organisms in southern Switzerland.

The Asian long-horned beetle

The invasive beetle species originates from East Asia and is introduced with packaging wood. It is one of the most dangerous hardwood pests.

Ash dieback

A pathogenic invasive fungus and the ash borer beetle are threatening ash tree populations in Europe.

Forest Protection Switzerland (WSS)

We diagnose the causes of forest damage, provide information on current events and advise those affected on forest protection issues.

WSL publications

Surveillance des organismes nuisibles particulièrement dangereux pour la forêt - rapport annuel 2023. Monitoraggio degli organismi nocivi particolarmente pericolosi

WSL Berichte 1492024
Available languages: German

Pine trees are an integral part of the forest landscape across Switzerland. In recent years, they have come under increasing pressure, not least due to new fungal diseases that have been introduced from abroad. In the course of these activities, numerous other needle diseases have been detected.

WSL Fact sheet 702022
Available languages: GermanEnglishFrench
show more

Projects

In this project, we conduct monitoring of tree-associated fungi and oomycetes in forests of Azerbaijan. We use metabarcoding for the detection of fungal DNA from environmental samples and transfer technical knowledge to the Azerbaijani partner for future monitoring.

In this project we combine a global analysis of ecosystem disturbances with a new biome theory. This will allow us to more precisely predict where on earth what disturbance is likely to be expected in response to progressing climate change.

To differentiate between dead and alive fungi that may be imported with plant trade to new environments, we are testing a novel ONT sequencing technology on important fungal pathogens.

show more

Multimedia

×