GROUP: Defensive Responses and Trophic Interactions in Crops

The research group Defensive Responses and Trophic Interactions in Crops operates in one of the most critical areas for contemporary agriculture. In a global context marked by climate change, increasing international trade, and the urgent need to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, farmers face unprecedented challenges in maintaining crop productivity and ensuring global food security. Climate change is intensifying the pressure from pests and diseases, while restrictions on the use of conventional pesticides require more sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. In this framework, our group is dedicated to developing innovative strategies that enhance crop resilience and reduce the impact of pests, thus contributing to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly agriculture.

Our group has established strong national and international collaborations, working with various research institutions to share knowledge and advance the development of applied solutions for crop protection. Currently, our work focuses on four key areas:

1. Inducing plant defenses against pests and diseases through the use of volatiles and biological agents. We are working on methods to enhance plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses by activating their natural defenses.
2. Exploring new tools to reduce plant stress, integrating strategies that address both biotic and abiotic factors. We investigate the use of zoophytophagous predators, essential oils, and volatile compounds to increase plant resilience to various types of stress.
3. Discovering and developing biopesticides, utilizing natural compounds such as essential oils and applying nanotechnology to improve their efficacy. These advances offer innovative solutions for pest control in various crops, contributing to safer and more sustainable agriculture.
4. Using RNAi technology for pest control, advancing gene silencing techniques to reduce the impact of key insect pests. We are working on the implementation of this technology to facilitate its practical application in the field.

Our interdisciplinary approach, supported by national and international collaborations, aims to promote more sustainable agriculture capable of facing the challenges posed by climate change and contributing to efficient and environmentally-friendly food production.