NOW OPEN: Short Abstract Submission and Early-bird Registration

Day 1: 31 August 2026 (Monday)

8:00 to 9:00 - Arrival and Registration

Participants who did not register during the welcome reception can complete their registration at this time. This hour also provides an opportunity to settle in, pick up conference materials, and prepare for the start of the first day’s programme.

9:00 to 9:30 - Opening Session

9:00 to 9:10 - Welcome Address by the Convenor

Prof. Dr. Ir. Gerben Messelink, Convenor of the Working Group, will deliver the official welcome address and open the scientific programme.

9:10 to 9:20 - Welcome Address by the IOBC-WPRS Liaison Officer

Dr. Bruno Gobin, IOBC-WPRS Liaison Officer, will extend a warm welcome on behalf of the IOBC-WPRS.

9:20 to 9:30 - Welcome and the Practical Information from the Local Organizers

The local organizing team will provide essential instructions and practical details to help you navigate the conference smoothly, including venue information, session logistics, and important announcements for the coming days.

9:30 to 10:00 - Keynote Lecture - Prof. Dr. Ir. Felix Wäckers

Prof. Dr. Ir. Felix Wäckers will deliver the opening keynote lecture on recent developments in biological control, highlighting current advances, emerging insights, and future directions in the field.

10:00 to 10:30 - Coffee Break

A short break to enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments while meeting colleagues and continuing discussions.

10:30 to 12:00 - Session 1 - Latest Developments in Biological Control

Chair: Gerben Messelink; Secretary: To Be Announced

10:30 to 10:35 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Ir. Gerben Messelink, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

10:35 to 10:50 - Presentation 1

10:50 to 11:05 - Presentation 2

11:05 to 11:20 - Presentation 3

11:20 to 11:35 - Presentation 4

11:35 to 11:50 - Presentation 5

11:50 to 12:10 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all five presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

12:10 to 13:10 - Lunch Break

A break to enjoy lunch and continue conversations with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

13:10 to 13:40 - Poster Session 1

An opportunity to walk through the poster displays, discuss the work with the presenters, and exchange ideas. This is the first poster session of the meeting, with additional opportunities to view and discuss posters in the following days.

13:40 to 15:00 - Session 2 - Ecological Interactions in Protected Crops

Chair: To Be Announced; Secretary: To Be Announced

13:40 to 13:45 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by the Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

13:45 to 14:00 - Presentation 1

14:00 to 14:15 - Presentation 2

14:15 to 14:30 - Presentation 3

14:30 to 14:45 - Presentation 4

14:45 to 15:00 - Presentation 5

15:00 to 15:20 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all five presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

15:20 to 15:50 - Coffee and Snacks

A short break with coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, offering time to relax and continue conversations with colleagues.

15:50 to 17:15 - Session 3 - Biological Control in Ornamental Crops

Chair: Rose Buitenhuis; Secretary: To Be Announced

15:50 to 15:55 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

15:55 to 16:25 - Keynote Lecture - Dr. Rose Buitenhuis

Dr. Rose Buitenhuis will present recent developments in biological control in ornamental crops, highlighting current advances, emerging insights, and future directions in this specialised area.

16:25 to 16:35 - Presentation 1

16:35 to 16:50 - Presentation 2

16:50 to 17:05 - Presentation 3

17:05 to 17:15 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all three presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

17:15 to 17:30 - Closing Remarks and Excursion Announcements

A brief closing session with final remarks and important announcements regarding the excursion.

Day 2: 1 September 2026 (Tuesday)

9:00 to 18:00 - Full Day Excursion

The second day of the meeting is dedicated to a full-day excursion to several leading greenhouse companies, offering participants the opportunity to see innovative production systems, applied biological control strategies, and practical solutions used in commercial protected cropping.

Throughout the day, we will visit a range of companies that represent the diversity and technical advancement of the Dutch greenhouse sector. These visits are designed to provide valuable insights, stimulate discussion, and strengthen the connection between research and practice.

Lunch will be provided as a packed lunch, allowing us to move efficiently between locations.

The excursion will conclude with a visit to the Business Unit Greenhouse Horticulture & Flower Bulbs of Wageningen University & Research, where participants will learn about current research programmes and technological developments.

We will close the day with snacks and drinks served on site, with food trucks offering a selection of freshly prepared hot snacks in a relaxed and informal setting.

This excursion provides an excellent opportunity to experience the Dutch greenhouse industry first-hand, exchange ideas, and enjoy an engaging and enjoyable day together.

Day 3: 2 September 2026 (Wednesday)

9:05 to 9:35- Keynote Lecture - Dr. Jana Collatz

Dr. Jana Collatz will present keynote lecture on Combining Several Strategies for Sustainable Control of the Invasive Tomato Leafminer Phthorimaea absoluta

9:00 to 10:30 - Session 4 - To Be Announced

Chair: Bruno Gobin; Secretary: To Be Announced

9:00 to 9:05 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Dr. Bruno Gobin, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

9:35 to 9:50 - Presentation 1

9:50 to 10:05 - Presentation 2

10:05 to 10:20 - Presentation 3

10:20 to 10:30 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all three presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

10:30 to 11:00 - Coffee Break

A short break to enjoy coffee, tea, and light refreshments while meeting colleagues and continuing discussions.

11:00 to 12:30 - Special Poster Pitch Session

Chair: Dr. Sophie Le Hesran; Secretary: To Be Announced

11:00 to 11:05 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Dr. Sophie Le Hesran, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

11:05 to 11:10 - Poster Pitch 1

11:10 to 11:15 - Poster Pitch 2

11:15 to 11:20 - Poster Pitch 3

11:20 to 11:25 - Poster Pitch 4

11:25 to 11:30 - Poster Pitch 5

11:30 to 11:35 - Poster Pitch 6

11:35 to 11:40 - Poster Pitch 7

11:40 to 11:45 - Poster Pitch 8

11:45 to 11:50 - Poster Pitch 9

11:50 to 11:55 - Poster Pitch 10

11:55 to 12:00 - Poster Pitch 11

12:00 to 12:05 - Poster Pitch 12

12:05 to 12:15 - General Discussion and Poster Session Announcement

An open discussion covering all the poster pitches, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session.

12:15 to 13:15 - Lunch Break

A break to enjoy lunch and continue conversations with colleagues in a relaxed setting. During the lunch break, you will also have the opportunity to visit the posters and interact with the presenters.

13:15 to 15:05 - Session 5 - Resilient Production Systems

Chair: To Be Announced; Secretary: To Be Announced

13:15 to 13:20 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Ada Leman, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

13:20 to 13:50- Keynote Lecture - Prof. Dr. Ir. Erik Poelman

Prof. Erik Poelman will present a keynote lecture on biological control in open-field crops, sharing insights from the CropMix project and discussing how these findings can inform and strengthen biological control strategies in greenhouse systems.

13:50 to 14:05 - Presentation 1

14:05 to 14:20 - Presentation 2

14:20 to 14:35 - Presentation 3

14:35 to 14:50 - Presentation 4

14:50 to 15:05 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all four presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

15:05 to 15:30 - Coffee and Snacks

A short break with coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks, offering time to relax and continue conversations with colleagues.

15:30 to 16:30 - Session 6 - To Be Announced

Chair: Ada Leman; Secretary: To Be Announced

15:30 to 15:35 - Opening Remarks

Opening remarks by Ada Leman, Chair of the session, introducing the theme, outlining its relevance, and highlighting the key topics that will be addressed in the presentations.

15:35 to 15:50 - Presentation 1

15:50 to 16:05 - Presentation 2

16:05 to 16:20 - Presentation 3

16:20 to 16:30 - General Discussion

An open discussion covering all three presentations, giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and address any of the topics presented in the session. The session will conclude with a brief summary delivered by the secretary.

18:00 Onwards - Conference Gala Dinner

Gala Dinner

The conference gala dinner will take place in the beautifully decorated Spiegeltent in Gouda, a unique and atmospheric venue known for its warm lighting, classic wooden interiors, and festive ambiance. This special evening offers an excellent opportunity to unwind, enjoy good food, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed and memorable setting.

Guests will be welcomed with drinks, followed by a carefully prepared dinner served in the elegant surroundings of the Spiegeltent. The combination of its historic charm and colourful design creates a lively and inviting atmosphere, ideal for conversations, networking, and celebrating the conference together.

The gala dinner is included in the registration fee, and all participants are warmly invited to join this highlight of the programme.

Address: De Spiegeltent, Turfmarkt 51, 2801 GW Gouda, The Netherlands

Event Location

Join us at Flora Boskoop, The Netherlands for the IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting on Integrated Control in Protected Crops, Temperate Climate

Venue

Hours

9:00 to 18:00

Flora Boskoop, Parklaan 4, 2771 GB, Boskoop, The Netherlands

Free parking spaces are available at the venue.