Agroecological Functioning and Performances of Horticultural Cropping Systems
Horticulture is now seen as an essential factor in food security and safety and health worldwide. Horticultural systems are a major source of income and jobs for the poorest populations in tropical areas. In this context, is it possible to reduce the adverse effects of massive pesticide use in horticultural cropping systems, while maintaining high, sustainable productivity and producing safe, quality products? The unit believes that this target can be met, through improved knowledge and use of the interactions and biological regulation mechanisms within horticultural cropping systems. Its aim is to establish the principles of the agroecology of tropical horticultural systems, before applying them in order to design sustainable cropping systems, in partnership with local players.