Prospecting, production and formulation of microorganisms with potential for soybean pest control / linked to the Center for Excellence in Biological Control

• Grant number: 20/01328-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: March 01, 2020
• End date: January 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Agreement: Koppert Brasil
• Principal Investigator: Italo Delalibera Júnior
• Grantee: Camila Costa Moreira
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ)
• Associated research grant: 18/02317-5 - Center for Excellence in Biological Control, AP.PCPE

Abstract

The mission of the Center for Excellence in Biological Control (Fapesp-Koppert) is to develop research projects, products and technologies that result in the use and strengthening of biological pest control for sustainable agriculture in Brazil. This proposal envisages the creation of an international-level research center, focusing on the development of innovations and the dissemination of knowledge of biological pest control. The Center will rely on a team of highly qualified researchers who will conduct inter- and multidisciplinary activities involving projects in five lines of research: (I) Prospecting for new biocontrol agents; (II) Processes for production and automation of beneficial macro- and microorganisms; (III) New formulations of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria and secondary metabolites); (IV) Evaluation of the risks and benefits of Biological Control; and (V) Strategies for using Biological Control in IPM. The headquarters Institution of the Center will be at USP-ESALQ, which has a tradition of solving problems in the area of Biological Control and alternative control methods for agricultural pests, replacing conventional chemicals. The organization of the Center envisages the participation of a Director and Vice-Director, an Executive Committee and Managers for Education and for Technology Transfer, in addition to an International Advisory Board (IAB), which, together with the Koppert Company, a world leader in biological control, will follow the route to achieve the proposed objectives. (AU)