31 May: Andy Hove

(M)eating the natives – trophic interactions with the invasive harlequin ladybird in Tilia spp. canopies

Andy G. Howe 

Ph.D. student, Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen

The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), biocontrol agent turned invasive species, has rapidly spread throughout Europe since 2002, and in its wake, population declines of several native ladybirds have ensued. This presentation will shed light on trophic interactions involving the harlequin ladybird including interspecific competition for aphids with native predatory bugs (Anthocoris nemoralis) and intraguild predation with these bugs. Furthermore, evidence is accruing that naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungi are exploiting this relatively new resource – recent results of this will be presented and discussed!

17 may: Victoria Lygum

Healing gardens and the therapeutic use of plants

Victoria Lygum
PhD Landscape Architect

For thousands of years gardens have been used for restorative purposes. Research studies indicate that stays in or even just a view to nature can support human health and well-being. Research in nature and health relations is presented from a landscape architectural perspective. This leads to an introduction of the concept of healing gardens. Following this, two very different types of healing gardens are presented. The first is described with a focus on scented plants whereas the second gives various example of how plants can be used in a therapeutic way.