New approaches and novel technologies for management of beneficial and harmful organisms in the root systems will be addressed. This will include application and delivery systems for beneficial microorganisms (Biocontrol agents, Rhizobium spp and Mycorrhiza spp.) and methods for studying their ecology following their introduction to the root zone. Methods for studying the three way interactions between plant, pathogen and beneficial organisms will be included. Microbial interactions in the root zone leading to gene discovery with potential for use within the feed, food and non-food industry will also be addressed. Methods for gathering information on gene regulation as they relates to biological pest control and other relevant performances of beneficial microorganisms in the root zone will likewise be in focus. The first part of the program will include a scientific symposium with plenary sessions, oral research presentations and poster sessions. It will be followed by a scientific excursion, and 2 days especially designed for graduate students (literature reviews, group work tasks, presentation of own research projects, laboratory exercises). The graduate students will participate in the whole program.