Matthias Erb

Prof. Dr. Matthias Erb is the Head of the Biotic Interactions Section and co-director at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern. His research focuses on plant defense mechanisms, plant-microbe interactions, and ecological interactions between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Key areas include plant volatile signaling, biocontrol strategies using entomopathogenic nematodes, and the role of specialized metabolites in shaping rhizosphere microbiota.

• Research Themes: Plant defense against herbivores, microbial symbiosis, plant communication via volatiles, and agricultural applications of ecological strategies.
• Key Projects: Engineering bacterial symbionts for pest control, understanding plant-soil feedback mechanisms, and elucidating the metabolic basis of plant resistance.

His work bridges fundamental ecology with applied agronomy, addressing challenges in sustainable crop protection and soil health. Recent studies highlight the importance of plant secondary metabolites in mediating interactions across trophic levels.