Laboratory of Pesticides of Public Health Importance
Activities
The Laboratory of Pesticides of Public Health Importance is mainly involved in the following scientific areas:
- Conducting efficacy evaluation (field of use, method of application, mode of action, effectiveness, development of resistance etc.) of Biocidal Products (BPs) in accordance with the requirements of national and European legislation (Directive 98/8/EC), and drafting scientific reports on the adoption or amendment of their authorization in Greece and in the European Union.
- Evaluation of the biological activity of the registered BPs, and advisory services to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MRDF) on topics related to biocide effectiveness,effects on non-target organisms, supervision of efficacy experiments etc.
- Identification of arthropod specimens and study of problems concerning insects or other arthropods of public health importance. Provision of information or advice concerning arthropods’ biology and control to the individuals or private organizations.
- Maintaining an insectary with rearings of insects of public health importance (important mosquito species, moths, etc.) in order to carry out research projects, as well as to provide insect material to other organizations or companies conducting related experiments
- Participation in working groups and expert meetings of the MRDF and the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity, as well as providing consultancy services to other organizations on specific issues related to the above-mentioned objectives.
The main areas of the Laboratory research include:
- Projects studying the biology, ecology, spatial distribution and population dynamics of mosquitoes and other arthropods of public health importance (e.g. the Asian tiger mosquito), and on the substances or methods used for their control.
- Studies on the effectiveness of substances of natural origin (e.g. plant extracts or essential oils) with insecticidal, attractant or repellent action against mosquitoes, to be used in integrated control programs implementing environmentally-friendly methods.
- Laboratory bioassays to monitor the effectiveness of biocides, and to determine potential development of resistance in mosquitoes to those formulations used in control programs.
- Studies on the influence of physical and chemical factors on the oviposition of various mosquito species.
- The study of mosquito-related problems in certain parts of Greece, in order to design integrated control programs.
- The study of the presence and dispersion of invasive mosquito species of great medical importance (Asian Tiger mosquito) using appropriate surveillance methods. Study of their biology and control methods.
The Laboratory is actively involved in the provision of practical experience to undergraduate students, and in helping them to implement their research projects. Staff from the Laboratory also teach in training programs and seminars, as well as give lectures and briefings at workshops and other events.
Scientific laboratory staff
Dr George Koliopoulos, Research Scientist
Athanassios Giatropoulos, Agronomist
Laboratory Technicians
John Stathis
