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NEWS

InPP participa em sessão com comitiva checa do setor das biotecnologias

No dia 26 de março, o InPP participou numa sessão promovida pela Agência Nacional de Inovação (ANI), em Lisboa, que contou com a presença de uma comitiva da República Checa ligada ao setor das biotecnologias.

Em representação do InPP estiveram Cristina Azevedo, Diretora de Biosoluções, e Paulo Madeira, Gestor de Inovação, que apresentou a instituição e as suas principais áreas de atuação e competências.

A iniciativa teve como principal objetivo identificar oportunidades de cooperação entre entidades portuguesas e checas, nomeadamente nas áreas de transferência de tecnologia, codesenvolvimento, ensaios pré-clínicos e diagnósticos, coinvestimento e internacionalização da inovação.

A sessão contou com a participação de representantes de entidades relevantes da República Checa, incluindo Petra Kinzlova, CEO da Prague.bio, Katarina Psenakova, Head of Biology da PharmTheon, bem como representantes da Embaixada da República Checa e da Academia das Ciências da República Checa.

Este encontro contribuiu para reforçar o posicionamento do InPP na promoção de parcerias internacionais e no desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras, evidenciando o compromisso contínuo da instituição em fortalecer redes de colaboração científica e tecnológica e em contribuir para o crescimento e internacionalização da inovação.

InPP participa em encontro técnico dedicado à cultura do arroz

O InPP marcou presença no Encontro com orizicultores e técnicos(as) em Portugal, promovido pela EDAF, que decorreu no dia 5 de março, no Pólo de Inovação de Salvaterra de Magos, em Santarém.

A Diretora de Biosoluções do InPP, Cristina Azevedo, integrou o painel de oradores convidados, tendo apresentado a comunicação intitulada “A problemática da Pyricularia na cultura do arroz”. A apresentação incidiu sobre os principais desafios fitossanitários associados a esta doença, que continua a constituir uma das maiores ameaças à produção de arroz a nível mundial e também em Portugal.

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O encontro reuniu produtores, técnicos e especialistas da fileira do arroz, proporcionando um espaço de partilha de conhecimento e debate sobre soluções atuais e em desenvolvimento para o controlo da piriculariose. Foram igualmente abordados outros temas relevantes para a sustentabilidade e produtividade da cultura, nomeadamente a gestão da fertilização.

A participação do InPP neste tipo de iniciativas reforça o compromisso da instituição com a inovação, a transferência de conhecimento e o desenvolvimento de soluções sustentáveis para a agricultura nacional.

O InPP agradece à EDAF e ao COTArroz o convite e a organização deste importante encontro, esperando que esta colaboração continue a fortalecer-se no futuro.

TomaBioTec project focuses on biological and digital solutions for growing industrial tomatoes

The project TomaBioTec started in January with the aim of developing and validating innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient production of tomatoes in the industry, in line with the current challenges of the agri-food sector, by integrating biotechnology and digital technologies.

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The initiative aims to evaluate, under real field conditions, the effectiveness and efficiency of a biosolution with bioprotective and/or biostimulant properties, developed by InnovPlantProtect (InPP), This could help improve the quality and productivity of industrial tomato crops.

The rehearsals take place at Alentejo and Spanish Extremadura and combine traditional agronomic methods with advanced technologies, such as drones, multispectral sensors and artificial intelligence models. This approach allows detailed monitoring of the health of the crop, the presence of pests and diseases and the impact of the bioproduct throughout the production cycle.

The project “TomaBioTec: New biological and digital solutions for tomato crop protection and fertilization” is led by the InPP, in collaboration with the Centro Tecnológico Nacional Agroalimentario Extremadura (CTAEX) and Cordeiro Group, and was selected as one of the winners of the 7th edition of the Promove Program, The prize was awarded by the “la Caixa” Foundation, in partnership with Banco BPI and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), in the category of innovative pilot projects.

This project reinforces the commitment to biological and digital solutions as drivers of more sustainable, competitive agriculture based on scientific evidence, with a direct impact on producers and industry.

More information about the project here.

EVENTS

The future of crop protection in debate with Bayer Crop Science

We are very pleased to announce the recent visit and knowledge-sharing session with our associate Antonio Villalobos, Agronomic Solutions Manager at Bayer Crop Science Portugal.

During the meeting, António Villalobos gave a comprehensive overview of the radical transformation that the crop protection sector is going through, highlighting two crucial vectors of innovation for the Sustainable Agriculture of the future: the growth of Biological Solutions and the advance of Digital Tools.

Trends and Key Messages

The presentation highlighted the new paradigm guiding agricultural strategy, driven by the need for greater sustainability and efficiency:

  • European leadership in reducing inputs: Europe has been at the forefront of the sharp reduction in available conventional protective active ingredients, which requires an unavoidable commitment to the constant innovation in the search for safer and more effective alternatives.
  • The Rise of the Biological: The future of crop protection undeniably lies in biological solutions. These compounds - which include biopesticides, biostimulants e biofertilizers - represent around 20% of the global Crop Protection market by 2030.
    • Functions of Biological Compounds: These products are used as biocontrol (against pests and diseases), biostimulants (improving tolerance to stress and nutrition) and biofertilizers (increasing the efficiency of nutrient absorption).
  • The Essential Role of Digital Tools: Digital technologies are the cornerstones of modern and precise agricultural management. Examples include risk forecasting (weather, pests), waste calculation and management and optimization of water management.
  • Paradigm Shift: From Products to Integrated Solutions: The sector is witnessing an evolution in companies“ portfolios, which are migrating from offering isolated ”products" to Integrated Solutions. These solutions strategically combine quality seeds, conventional synthetic products (in optimized and reduced doses), biological compounds and digital tools for more robust, efficient pest and disease control in line with sustainability objectives.

Recognition

Special thanks to Antonio Villalobos and Bayer Crop Science for the continuous collaboration and inspiring sharing of knowledge in a field that is proving to be fundamental for the competitiveness and sustainability of Portuguese agriculture.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

InPP hosts iBET to explore sustainable biopesticides derived from wine

On November 12, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) had the pleasure of welcoming researchers from iBET - Institute of Experimental Biology and Technology, for a session dedicated to valorization of wine production by-products as sustainable biopesticides.

The session was attended by Naiara Fernández, Senior Scientist and Leader of the iBET Technology Platform, and of João Baixinho, D. student on the same platform. The researchers shared the center's mission and main lines of research, with particular emphasis on the development of new biopesticides with high potential for agricultural application.

Innovation and the Circular Bioeconomy

The focus of the presentation was on the exploitation of wine-growing by-products, transforming waste into high value-added solutions for crop protection.

  • Potential Biopesticides: The compounds under study showed promising properties, being able to inhibit disease-causing microorganisms in crops and to exercise effective mite control, It represents a sustainable alternative to conventional phytopharmaceuticals.

  • The Tec4Green Project: The role of the project was highlighted Tec4Green, This is a mobilizing agenda co-funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This ambitious project brings together 18 strategic partners with the aim of developing a new generation of products for crop protection and nutrition, in line with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and sustainability.

Thank you

InPP would like to thank iBET for the visit and the inspiring sharing of knowledge in an area that is crucial for the future of crop protection and the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira

InPP welcomes Hubel Verde and its crop management solutions

InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was honored to receive, on October 15th, the Hubel Verde, our newest associate. The visit provided a sharing session on the innovative solutions that the company provides for the management and protection of agricultural crops.

During the meeting, João Caço, Executive Director of Hubel Verde, and Margarida Mota, Innovation Coordinator, presented the company, its mission and its vast portfolio of products. innovative and sustainable solutions. These solutions are designed to respond effectively to the diverse needs and realities of the field in Portuguese agriculture.

Spotlight on Technology and Efficiency

The presentation focused on technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in the sector:

  • Low Volume Electrostatic Nebulizers: Special attention was paid to this cutting-edge technology, which allows for a more precise, economical and efficient application of crop protection products, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
  • Integrated Services and Solutions: Hubel Verde highlighted its scientific know-how in integrated services and solutions which cover various aspects of crop management. These holistic approaches are crucial to ensuring the greatest success and profitability of agricultural activity.

Recognition and Collaboration

InPP would like to thank Hubel Verde for the visit and the valuable sharing of knowledge and technologies. Your experience is fundamental to the development and modernization of crop protection and agriculture in Portugal.

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira