Elvas, in the heart of the Alentejo, is preparing to welcome a new entomology laboratory. This specialised facility will help to better understand the world of insects, small giants that are vital to ecosystems. More than just a scientific research centre, this laboratory aims to develop innovative strategies for pest management and control and to support more sustainable agricultural practices, fostering collaboration between researchers, farmers, and businesses in the region and beyond.
Hadi Sheikhnejad, one of InnovPlantProtect’s entomologists, shares his enthusiasm and vision for this project. The entomology lab is a place where we can study, breed and exhibit insects, unlock their secrets and apply this knowledge to benefit agriculture and the environment”, explains Hadi.
The installation of the laboratory, which has been underway since 2024, faces complex challenges, from finding funding to creating specialised infrastructures where the insects’ natural habitats will be simulated. “Every detail is crucial and meticulously planned”, reveals Hadi. “We have to control the temperature, humidity and lighting to create an ideal environment and ensure the well-being of the different insect species that will live here.”
Hadi Sheikhnejad, InnovPlantProtect entomologist, observing and studying insects in the new entomology laboratory yet to be built in Elvas.
And what species will they be? The lab will house an impressive variety of insects, from beneficial predators such as ladybirds and parasitoid wasps, which provide natural pest control, to agricultural pests such as leafhoppers, aphids and whiteflies, and decomposers such as soldier flies, which are important for maintaining soil health. “Every insect has a role to play in the balance of ecosystems”, says the entomologist. “By studying them, we can develop more effective and sustainable pest control methods and reduce our dependence on synthetic pesticides.”
Technology is a fundamental pillar of the lab. “We are integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis, automated traps and sensors, and even climate-controlled breeding cameras”, Hadi reveals. “These technologies allow us to monitor insect behaviour in real time, detect pests early and accurately diagnose infestations, revolutionising the way we deal with pest management.”
The laboratory will not be limited to research. It will offer consultancy services to farmers and companies, including pest identification and, in time, the development of pest management strategies, the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), training workshops on insect monitoring, and access to auxiliary insects that will act as biological control agents to help farmers control infestations naturally.
Looking to the future, Hadi shares his vision for the lab: “We would like to become a reference laboratory for sustainable agriculture”. “Through the knowledge and experience gained in the entomology lab, we will promote more ecological and efficient farming practices”, he adds.
Left photo: Hadi Sheikhnejad observing an insect under a magnifying glass, revealing essential details for entomological study, Right photo: Facilities of the new entomology laboratory in Elvas, a space dedicated to research, innovation and pest management.
Collaboration is another key aspect of the project. “We are open to partnerships with companies in the agricultural sector, research institutes, universities, other CoLABs and governmental or non-governmental organisations”, says Hadi. “We believe that these collaborations are essential to drive innovation and find sustainable insect-based solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges. Ultimately, we can shape a future where agriculture and nature coexist in harmony.”
The entomology laboratory in Elvas is a step towards a more sustainable future, where the small world of insects plays a fundamental role in building a healthier planet. In Elvas, innovation crawls, flies, jumps and reveals a promising future for entomology research and pest management.