The idea of the Symposium of Insect-Plant Relationships (SIP) is to bring together young and senior scientists from all over the world to specifically discuss current topics in insect-plant interactions, comprising ecology, evolution, behaviour as well as physiology. The conference is meant to offer an open and welcoming surrounding for networking, especially for young researchers, which made up nearly half of the attendees. Eight young researchers received travel awards, which were supported by the German Society for Plant Sciences (DBG) and by the Federation of European Societies of Plant Biology (FESPB).

Scientific presentations and discussions

SIP18 was characterised by a diverse set of scientific topics. In the opening lecture, Renee M. Borges highlighted the role of chemodiversity, genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity for plant-insect food webs under climate change. The scientific sessions revealed that insect-plant relationships are largely influenced by ongoing environmental change, emphasised the importance of spatio-temporal dynamics and uncovered molecular mechanisms underlying insect-plant relationships, highlighting the potential of omics techniques. In a workshop, the participants discussed the potential of metabolomics for addressing ecological questions. More specific research areas were addressed in seven subsequent sessions. It was discussed how insects make use of plant compounds via sequestration and pharmacophagy and inorganic/elemental versus organic plant defences were contrasted. One session was dedicated to plant antagonists that feed on the vascular system of plants. In the corresponding keynote lecture, Beata Gabryś highlighted the potential of aphids being used as sensors when assessing the suitability of plants for these herbivores as well as the influence of allelochemicals including pesticides.

It emerged that applied aspects of insect-plant relationships, i.e. those dealing with crop plants and agriculture, are at the front of research, as indicated by the majority of submitted contributions being linked to this topic. For example, cover crops, strip cropping as well as breeding strategies and biocontrol approaches that may allow to reduce the application of pesticides were discussed. With research topics from single genes or metabolites to whole ecosystems and global challenges like climate change, including basic and applied research as well as laboratory and field-scale studies, the interdisciplinary nature of the community of researchers became apparent. The authors of the best six scientific posters were honoured with poster awards, in addition to a poster award for children for the best self-painted poster on insect-plant relationships.

Networking, social activities

Given the quite specific topic of the conference and the fact that there were no parallel sessions and nearly all participants were housed directly at the conference site, the (scientific) exchange between the conference attendees was very intense. The networking between the researchers was further supported by exciting excursions. While several people searched for insects in an “Insect safari” around Haus Neuland, others went for a plant excursion to a highly diverse meadow (“Ochsenheide”), visited a zoo (“Tierpark Olderdissen”) or the Sparrenburg castle. At the last evening, the participants came together at the conference dinner downtown Bielefeld in the “Hechelei”. During the whole conference, the researchers enjoyed diverse and very tasty vegetarian meals, in line with the guiding idea of sustainability that is widespread in the community of ecologists. Moreover, while the large distance from Haus Neuland to Bielefeld city centre reinforced the focus on the scientific topics and facilitated the networking, the green nature around Haus Neuland contributed to a relaxed atmosphere with nature-inspired (scientific) discussions.  

Conclusion

Taken together, the specific overall topic, combined with the multidisciplinarity of research presented and discussed, contributed to the success of the conference in terms of scientific output. With the SIP in Bielefeld, the spirit of a (scientific) family was kept, meeting people with similar interests, (potential) collaboration partners as well as old and new friends. Many established researchers, who regularly visit the SIP, were present, while several early career academics for the first time experienced fruitful scientific exchange, hopefully coming together again at the next SIP, which will be hosted in Wageningen (Netherlands) in three years. Many thanks to all the helpers and the generous financial contributions of the supporters, as for example the DBG, who made this symposium possible!

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Caroline Müller, Rabea Schweiger und Christine Fiebig; Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/biologie/forschung/arbeitsgruppen/chem_eco/