Work packages & Main objectives

RIMPEST is structured in four workpackages with 3 tasks each.

Figure: RIMPEST work packages (WP)

The workpackages in more detail:

WP1: Data base establishment

Task 1.1: Metainformation survey on available data for the project (pest data, climate/weather data, pest models)
Task 1.2.: Evaluating and ranking of reported (weather-related) pest damages on crops in the past decades (from literature)
Task 1.3.: Extension of the COMBIRISK data base with project relevant data

WP2: Pest models evaluation and validation

Task 2.1.: Validation of selected existing pest models
Task 2.2.: Establishment/adaptation of new pest models
Task 2.3.: Performance test of validated pest models used for simulations of pest trends under climate and crop scenarios

WP3: Simulating & analysing pest trends under climate and crop scenarios

Task 3.1.: Simulation of pest phenology change under changing climate scenarios
Task 3.2.: Modelling hotspots of climate driven pest risks
Task 3.3.: Analysis of model results by consideration of non-modelling parameters

WP4: Dissemination and exploitation of results

Task 4.1.: Preparation of technical project results for dissemination to stakeholders and general public
Task 4.2.: Training and information of stakeholders
Task 4.3.: Preparation of policy support report

RIMPEST will address the following four main objectives:

Objective 1: to establish a data base (by extension of an already available data base from previous ACRP project COMBIRISK) for research on thermophilic pest insects in Austria, which includes amongst others, data on the pests phenology, climate and daily weather data, pest models and reported (weather-related) pest damages on crops as well as meta-information of protected data sources for related research activities.

Objective 2: to validate and improve existing pest models for selected target pest insects for Austrian conditions and to generate new pest models where lacking. For those pest models, which will feed into the simulations of pest trends under climate and crop scenarios, performance tests will be applied in selected case study regions.

Objective 3: to simulate and analyse pest trends under climate and crop scenarios, based on the pest models tested in Austrian case study regions. An ensemble of downscaled Austrian climate scenarios (ÖKS) will be used to estimate the range of future potential pest risks in the various Austrian crop growth regions. In cases where applicable and meaningful, such as for annual crops as maize, scenarios of crop rotation share of crops will be additionally included in the analysis (crop scenarios).

Objective 4: to disseminate and exploit project results in a stakeholder oriented way. This aspect is important, as stakeholders (farmers) decisions of crop planning and management as well as pest management options are crucial for successful adaptation options to changing crop pest risks in Austria. Better awareness on the underlying processes determining pest risks will also help to implement recommendations for adaptations and support related policy activities.