Oliver Maschek

Oliver Maschek is a researcher at the Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work focuses on the biological control of invasive species, particularly Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), using Verticillium nonalfalfae as a mycoherbicide.

• Research Interests: Biological control of invasive plants, forest pathology, mycoherbicide development, non-target effects of biocontrol agents, sustainable forest management, and ecological impacts of invasive species.
• Projects: Active participant in the national research project 'Biological control of the tree of heaven in endangered habitat types on the Bisamberg and in the Lobau' (2024–2025), studying Verticillium-based control mechanisms in forest ecosystems.
• Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles and reports documenting field trials, non-target effects, and application methods of Ailantex® against Ailanthus.
• Presentations: Delivered 27 presentations across Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Switzerland on biological control strategies for invasive species.