On September 18, the executive director of InnovPlantProtect (InPP), António Saraiva, the director of the New Biopesticides Department, Cristina Azevedo, and researcher Luís Grilo attended the Open Day “The Cereals of Baixo Mondego”, promoted by the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Centro), at the Bico da Barca Experimental Unit in Montemor-o-Velho.
The event highlighted the latest innovations from the Coimbra Innovation Hub, from new technologies applied to maize and rice, to fertilization strategies, protection and the use of biostimulants on these key crops in the Baixo Mondego region.
Our team also monitored trials with biofungicides, including the product I21, developed with our collaborative laboratory to combat pyriculariosis in two rice varieties, which is being patented.
In an interview with Voice of the Countryside, Cristina Azevedo shared the work we have been doing in the area of biosolutions.
Maize continues to be the Portugal's most important arable crop, The sector has a significant impact on food safety and the national agri-food industry. Involving thousands of producers and generating tens of millions of euros a year, the sector is currently facing increasingly complex phytosanitary challenges.
Among already known pests and emerging diseases, there are risks ranging from cartridge caterpillar until Maize Rugose Dwarfism Virus (MRDV), The presence of this virus is increasing in Portugal. This virus, transmitted by the corn leafhopper, can seriously compromise production and is found in the climate change increasingly favorable conditions for its spread.
However, it's not just MRDV that's worrying. There are new threats that require vigilance, such as the coleopter Diabrotica virgifera or the MDMV virus (Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus), already detected in neighboring countries, and also toxic weeds, such as the winter fig (Datura stramonium), which in addition to impacting productivity pose public health risks.
Faced with this reality, the answer is integrated and sustainable strategies, matching:
crop rotation and good agricultural practices;
careful use of insecticides to avoid resistance and environmental impacts;
resistant or tolerant varieties, where available;
research and technological innovation, including new digital tools for early detection.
As the InnovPlantProtect researcher points out, Nuno Faria, in the article entitled “The main emerging pests and diseases of the maize crop in Portugal”, available in the August edition of Voz do Campo magazine: “The phytosanitary panorama of maize in Portugal requires continuous vigilance, investment in research and the application of integrated and sustainable strategies capable of responding to an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable reality.”
To find out more about the main current risks and mitigation measures, read the full article published in the August issue of Voz do Campo magazine (pages 88-89), available on newsstands and online.
InnovPlantProtect (InPP) is pleased to announce the publication of an international patent application (PCT) for a strain of Bacillus velezensis with application as a plant biostimulant. This innovation represents a significant milestone in our research, with a direct impact on sustainable agriculture and crop resilience in the face of climate and environmental challenges.
A natural and effective solution
The biostimulant developed by our team has been carefully studied and tested on different vegetable crops, such as tomatoes and lettuce, and on cereals, such as rice. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of this technology:
Greater development in the early stages of crops, This promotes more vigorous and healthy starts.
Increased productivity, This is evidenced by greater fresh biomass in lettuce and greater fruit production in tomatoes.
Proven molecular responses, with analyses confirming the activation of genes associated with plant responses to different types of abiotic stress.
These results reinforce the effectiveness of the Bacillus velezensis as a natural biostimulation tool, capable of boosting crop performance and contributing to more sustainable agriculture.
From the lab to the field
This patent is another step in InPP's commitment to developing innovative, sustainable biotechnological solutions with industrial applicability. The aim is clear: to support farmers and companies in the sector in meeting the challenges of crop productivity, quality and resilience, in an era when agriculture needs sustainable, high-impact responses.
We are looking for strategic partnerships
We are currently looking for new partnerships with companies and entities in the agricultural sector to take this technology from the laboratory to the field. We believe that collaboration is the key to turning scientific innovation into practical solutions that benefit the entire agricultural value chain.
If you're interested in learning more about this technology or exploring opportunities for collaboration, talk to us. Together we can drive a more productive, resilient and sustainable agriculture.
Innovate together. Protect better.
Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira (Photos from left to right: Sandra Caeiro and Rui Figueiras, researchers from the Specific Crop Protection Department and Inês Mexia, researcher from the Formulations and Process Development Department.
InnovPlantProtect (InPP) is pleased to announce the arrival of a new member: Hubel Verde.
Hubel Verde is now part of our journey in the search for innovative and sustainable solutions for the sustainable protection of agricultural crops.
Hubel Verde specializes in providing services and selling products for plant nutrition and plant health, with the aim of increasing the safety and profitability of its clients' businesses. Present throughout Portugal, Hubel Verde has an Agronomy Department made up entirely of agronomists or agricultural engineers whose aim is to identify the best solutions for your crop and/or farm.
The addition of this new associate and important players in the agriculture market in Portugal will be an important step in InPP's growth. Together, we will contribute to the development of biological and digital solutions for crop protection that benefit producers, the agricultural sector and the environment.
On November 20, the +Valorcer project took part in GO WIDE, an event promoted by Agroglobal WIDE that took place at the National Center for Agricultural Exhibitions and Markets (CNEMA) in Santarém. GO WIDE aimed to mobilize the innovation ecosystem in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors, promoting the transfer and applicability of innovative solutions funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
GO WIDE brought together a wide range of stakeholders directly involved in innovation projects in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors at national and European level, including public administration, sector associations, competence centers, higher education institutions, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology hubs, agricultural advisors, journalists and the general public. The initiative offered a unique opportunity to learn about the latest developments in innovation and explore new partnerships and synergies.
InnovPlantProtect (InPP), represented by executive director Pedro Fevereiro and as leader of the +Valorcer project, was present at the initiative, which was packed with activities, including round tables, lots of networking and a pitching session, where the projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) had the opportunity to present their objectives, main results and expected impact.
+Valorcer was distinguished by the audience as the PRR with the greatest impact! This recognition reflects the effort and dedication of all the project's partners in creating value and transforming the sector.
Participants had access to plenary sessions with institutional figures, key note speakers and panel discussions, among others. They also had the opportunity to learn about the innovative solutions being developed by the innovation projects funded by the PRR. Participation also included lunch and attendance at the Ceremony and Dinner of the 11th edition of the Crédito Agrícola Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award.
Yesterday, November 14, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) and Frusoal - Frutas Sotavento Algarve, Lda signed a cooperation protocol that aims to develop strategies to solve the challenges posed by pests and diseases to citrus production and to cooperate in the production of an Operational Plan aimed at the research and development of biopesticides.
The cooperation agreement was signed by managing partners Pedro Madeira and Manuel Reis, and by InPP's Executive Director, Pedro Fevereiro.
We hope that this partnership can promote a space for reflection, sharing and communication.
More information about InPP's latest partner here.
Português 
English