Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection Vol. 8, No. 1, 2013 - Iresa

farmers and innovative research isconsidered as a key element thatcontributes to the successful developmentof the organic sector.The plenary sessions continuedwith presentations on the current situationof organic agriculture in Tunisia, anoverview of the research activities of theMediterranean Agricultural Institute ofBari (IAMB) and an outline on currentresearch on microbial control of insects inTunisia.Further, sessions included insectand disease management with a strongfocus on microbial control and botanicals.Fortunately the list of speakers includedmany young researchers, which weregiven the opportunity to present theirresults on a conference. Fortunately, aconsiderable proportion of the youngspeakers presented high quality work.Two of them were rewarded at the end ofthe conference for the best oralpresentation and the best posterpresented.Another positive aspect related tothe contents was the considerable amountof contributions on basic research onpests and diseases. This type of research,e.g. on the auxiliary fauna is generallywork intensive and not easy to publish.On the other hand, this type of study is animportant part of any research agenda inorganic agriculture, which is mainlyfocusing on understanding the systemsand on the principle of prevention.Some of the approaches presentedhowever may cause problems with theself conception of organic agriculture oreven with the general legislation. The useof mycotoxin producing fungi such asAspergillus flavus, for example, is anambivalent approach for organic systems.Summaries of all contributionshave been compiled in an abstract bookthat is available via the website ofISOFAR. The last day of the Symposiumwas dedicated to an excursion which wasfocusing on citriculture and horticulturecompleted by interesting cultural visits.This symposium offered a greatopportunity for all participants to shareinformation and experiences about cropprotection and Organic Agriculture underMediterranean conditions.The atmosphere during thesymposium was more than convenient.Foreign participants had the great chanceto enjoy the hospitality of the Tunisianhosts. The Organizing and ScientificCommittees deserve full gratitude.Dr. Mohamed Ben KhédherFor the Organizing and Scientific Committees-------------------Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection Vol. 8, No. 1, 2013