Estamos em contagem decrescente para a Feira Nacional de Agricultura (FNA), uma das maiores feiras agrícolas do país!
É já de 7 a 15 de junho que o InPP vai estar na 61ª edição da Feira Nacional de Agricultura, que se realiza no CNEMA – Centro Nacional de Exposições, em Santarém.
O tema da edição deste ano é “Biosoluções”e pretende destacar a importância das soluções e tecnologias inovadoras no setor agroalimentar e na promoção de práticas mais sustentáveis e eficientes.
A FNA reúne agricultores, empresários e especialistas dos setores agroalimentar, pecuário e agrícola e é um excelente espaço para aumentar a nossa rede de contactos, trocar conhecimentos e apresentar as mais recentes tendências e soluções agrícolas que a nossa equipa tem desenvolvido.
Vai poder encontrar-nos no stand nº.18, à entrada do Espaço dos claustros, dedicado à Agenda InsectERA, entre as 10h e as 20h.
InnovPlantProtect (InPP) took part in the National Olive Growing Fair (FNO 25) in Campo Maior, from May 23 to 25, presenting its latest biological and digital innovations for crop protection, including projects focused on biopesticides for olive diseases and early detection of fungi that cause gafa, and monitoring insect vectors of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which attacks olive groves. The Elvas CoLAB was present with its own stand to demonstrate its strengths and the impact of its research on agricultural sustainability, inviting producers, technicians and researchers to learn about its innovative bio-based and digital solutions and to actively participate in the discussion of the sector's challenges.
The collaborative laboratory (CoLAB) welcomed visitors at the stand no. 14, located at thematic area at the Campo Maior Municipal Garden, to showcase their activity, the ongoing projects that are developing solutions to the main olive diseases, the patents already submitted, the apps for agricultural management and the bio-based and digital products and services they have to offer the agricultural sector and the market. Throughout the three days of the fair, some of InPP's researchers were at the stand to demonstrate to visitors the various features of the Elvas CoLAB, which has been developing innovation that it hopes will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural systems.
InPP announced ValorCannBio project, which is processing biomass that is not used in the medical cannabis industry to develop effective and sustainable biopesticides against gafa and tuberculosis, The project will be carried out in the municipality of Elvas, which is responsible for decimating entire harvests, leading to severe economic losses and compromising food quality. The impact of this project will be felt in the municipality of Elvas, where the project is being developed, but it is expected that it will extend to the entire olive-growing region from Trás-os-Montes to the Algarve, where production losses are increasing due to these diseases. O AlViGen project was also one of the protagonists and is using cutting-edge technology to detecting and identifying the strains of fungi that cause gafa, long before the symptoms become visible. The project team has used traps to collect spores that circulate in the air to monitor the presence of fungi, which can give farmers an important advantage in preventing infections and protecting their crops, reducing production losses.
O SNM_XylellaVt project, The SNM_XylellaVt project, led by DRAPCENTRO and in which InPP actively participates, was also highlighted at FNO. SNM_XylellaVt is monitor the insect vectors of the bacteria Xyllela fastidiosa, in particular the foam leafhopper, the insect responsible for transmitting the bacterium, which attacks various agricultural and forestry crops, and in particular olive groves. The project team is developing new tools, such as risk prediction models which, in the presence of the bacterium, whether in plants or insect vectors, will allow the National Agricultural Warning Service (SNAA) to alert, in real time, about the economic attack levels (EAL) for these insects, thus allowing prevent infection of the main crops. As part of this project, the team has also developed an online platform where citizens can report the sighting of foams, which are signs of the presence of the insect vectors of X. fastidiosa, This will help to map its temporal and spatial distribution and to plan measures to combat this bacterium.
The FNO, organized jointly by the Campo Maior City Council and the Centre for the Study and Promotion of Olive Oil in the Alentejo (CEPAAL), is an event that aims to enhance national olive growing, and in particular Portuguese olive oil, boosting the local economy and bringing together professionals from the sector - producers, technicians, or researchers - from all over the country to discuss challenges and trends in the Portuguese olive and olive oil sector.
Each year, crop diseases cause devastating losses in agricultural production, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. In the heart of Alentejo, an innovative project is harnessing the power of genomics to help combat these invisible threats. The AlViGen Project, with the participation of InnovPlantProtect researchers Rute Rego and João Bilro, is paving the way for a new era of crop surveillance and protection.
The Problem and the Solution
“Yellow rust in wheat and olive quick decline syndrome are real scourges for farmers,” explains Rute Rego, a researcher at AlViGen. “These diseases can decimate entire harvests, leading to severe economic losses and compromising food quality.”
But AlViGen is not limited to observing the problem. The team is using cutting-edge technology to detect and identify the strains of fungi that cause these diseases, long before the symptoms become visible.
“We use traps to collect spores circulating in the air,” Rute continues. “These traps allow us to monitor the presence of fungi in real-time, which gives us an important advantage in preventing infections.”
But the magic happens in the laboratory, where the team extracts the DNA from the spores and performs advanced genomic analyses, using powerful DNA sequencing technology based on the metabarcoding method, carried out with cutting-edge technology like the portable Nanopore sequencer.
Rute Rego, a researcher at InnovPlantProtect, analyzes samples of the fungus causing olive quick decline syndrome as part of the AlViGen project.
Unraveling the Genetic Code of Fungi
To better explain what metabarcoding is and its advantage in detecting the presence of species or strains of fungi that cause diseases in crops, the researcher gives the example of a bag full of different types of grains - rice, beans, corn - being analyzed by the reader. “Metabarcoding is like placing a unique label (a ‘barcode’) on each type of grain. Then, you can mix all the grains in a single sample, and by reading the labels, you can identify the quantity of each type of grain present.'”
In the case of AlViGen, this technique allows for the analysis of multiple fungal species simultaneously (in multiple samples), each with its own genetic ‘barcode,’ and to ‘identify exactly which fungi are present, even in small quantities,'” the researcher explains.
And what is the practical impact of this method for monitoring and predicting disease? The AlViGen project researcher can identify, with high precision, the moment when the pathogenic agent begins to appear in the field, which makes it possible to alert farmers in real-time about the risk of disease. Producers can adopt preventative measures and apply the necessary products to avoid infection, contributing to a rapid and effective response in disease prevention.
The Timeline of Fungal Evolution
AlViGen's research is not limited to identifying the microorganisms harmful to crops; it also seeks to understand their evolution and diversity. João Bilro, another researcher on the project, is dedicated to studying the phylogeny of the Colletotrichum fungus, a microorganism responsible for causing olive anthracnose or blight, a disease that affects olive groves in Portugal. This disease mainly affects the olives, which compromises the quality of the olive oil.
“Phylogeny is crucial for understanding how the different strains of Colletotrichum Just as a family tree traces the history of a family, showing how members are related to each other, phylogenetic trees reveal the evolutionary relationships between the different strains of this fungus. Each branch of the tree represents an evolutionary lineage, and the nodes indicate common ancestors. By comparing the DNA sequences of these strains, we can reconstruct their evolutionary history, identifying which are genetically closer or more distant, and thus infer characteristics such as virulence or resistance to fungicides,” he reveals.
This knowledge allows researchers to identify patterns of dissemination and adaptation of the fungus, which is fundamental for developing more effective strategies to contain and/or reduce the damage this fungus causes to Portuguese olive groves.
“One of the challenges of our research is the great genetic diversity of the Colletotrichum,” admits João. “However, by uncovering their evolutionary secrets, we are paving the way for the development of more precise and targeted detection and control methods.”
Left photo: João Bilro, a bioinformatician at InnovPlantProtect, studying the phylogeny of the Colletotrichum fungus within the scope of the AlViGen project; Right photo: Rute Rego and João Bilro discuss ideas about the AlViGen project.
The Future of Agriculture Starts Here
The AlViGen Project aims to have a significant impact on the agricultural landscape, especially in Alentejo, a region with a strong agricultural tradition. By providing farmers with early detection tools and precise information about the microorganisms that cause crop diseases, the project intends to aid in decision-making, allowing farmers to protect their crops and reduce production losses.
“Our ultimate goal is to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their crops sustainably,” states Rute. “We believe that genomic surveillance is a key tool for the future of crop protection.”
João Bilro agrees and adds, “Continuous research is fundamental to keep up with the evolution of harmful microorganisms and to develop new, consistently effective control strategies. In the future, we hope to expand the scope of AlViGen to include other microorganisms and crops, and to make genomic surveillance an accessible tool for all farmers.”
Science at the Service of Agriculture
The AlViGen Project, supported by the Promove Program of the “la Caixa” Foundation, in partnership with Banco BPI and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), is an inspiring example of how science and technology can be applied to solve real-world problems and transform agriculture. By unraveling the genetic secrets of crop microorganisms, Rute Rego and João Bilro are paving the way for a safer, more sustainable, and resilient agriculture.
The fight against crop diseases continues, but with AlViGen, farmers can finally see the enemy before it becomes visible.
For two days, the Lisbon Congress Center will host researchers, entrepreneurs and the general public for the annual Science 2020 meeting. At this event, ANI - Agência Nacional de Inovação (National Innovation Agency) will host six virtual sessions as part of the PERIN/Horizonte Europa network and Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB).
At the annual Science 2020 meeting, which is being held today and tomorrow at the Lisbon Congress Center, ANI-National Innovation Agency will be hosting 6 virtual sessions as part of the PERIN/Horizonte Europa network and Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB).
Horizon Europe, the European Union's next framework program for research and innovation, will be the theme for three sessions promoted by ANI, as a member of the PERIN network:
PERIN Session - Missions
On November 3, at 11:30 a.m., there will be a presentation of the missions that will be part of Horizon Europe, followed by a speech by the European Commission on the concept of mission. The session will also feature a round table of Portuguese experts participating in mission boards. Access the event here.
PERIN Session - Pillar II
Also on November 3, at 2pm, the structure of “Pillar II of Horizon Europe - Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness” will be presented, focusing on the opportunities and themes of each of its clusters. Access the event here.
PERIN Session - Pillar III
On November 4, at 11:30 a.m., the different areas of “Pillar III of Horizon Europe - Innovative Europe” will be presented: European Innovation Council, Eurostars 3 (focusing on the Portuguese presidency of Eureka), SME Support Networks and European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Access the event here.
Also November 3rd and 4th, the three sessions dedicated to Collaborative Labs, These presentations are also part of the program of the Science 2020 Meeting. Each presentation will be structured according to a pitch in which each CoLAB will showcase its activities and the technologies and services it provides. The interventions are divided into 6 thematic areas, according to the respective area of intervention: Digital and Information Systems; Climate, Space and Oceans; Health and Social Services; Materials, Circular Economy and Urban Sustainability; Energy and Sustainability; Biodiversity and Forestry; and Agri-food. See detailed information on the CoLAB sessions e watch the event here.
The importance and challenges of science, research and innovation in Portugal's recovery in times of pandemic set the tone for the Science 2020 Meeting. This event is particularly relevant as Portugal prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2021. Speakers and participants will discuss strategies for the country and Europe to be more resilient, digital, green, social and global in the current context. Over the course of two days, the program includes several thematic sessions in a wide range of scientific areas, promoting interaction between researchers, the business sector and the general public.
The Science Meeting is promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology in collaboration with Ciência Viva - National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture and the Parliamentary Commission for Education and Science, and has the institutional support of the Government through the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education. More information about the meeting will be released soon.
Main responsibilities This researcher reports directly to the Director of the Department of Protection of Specific Crops of InnovPlantProtect and has the following responsibility: - To identify pests and diseases in the field and in the laboratory - Sample plant, pests and pathogen material from crop fields - Interact with farmers and field researchers - Support field, greenhouse and laboratory plant-pathogen interaction assays
Specific requirements - Master degree in Phytopathology or related fields - Experience in phytopathology and agronomic techniques is desirable - Knowledge on molecular phytopathology and plant physiology - Fluency in English, spoken and written
InnovPlantProtect is a private non-profit association InnovPlantProtect aims to create innovation for the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products, in particular through: - Development of new technologies and knowledge, as well as the improvement of previously developed technologies, to protect crops, seeds and post-harvest products, as as well as their intellectual protection and availability; - Development of applied scientific research to introduce the developed technologies in the market, and to develop processes and products; - Provide technical support to companies and entities, public or private, assisting them in the introduction of biotechnological strategies, methods and processes, and in the orientation and implementation of industrial research and development, directed towards the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products; - Collaboration with public or private institutions, national or foreign in their areas of activity.
Workplace The place of work will be the headquarters of InnovPlantProtect, at the INIAV Elvas pole, in the former National Plant Breeding Station (Elvas, Portugal).
Salary and contract A full-time contract will be offered, starting December 1st, 2020. The contract will last until December, 31, 2022, being renewed annually, and with a trial period of 30 days. The contract will be renewed past 2022 depending on further financial support. All the activities to be developed will be subject to confidentiality clauses. The gross value of the remuneration will be 1509,8€ (14 months - 21,152.6€/year) plus 4,77€ of lunch subsidy per working day.
Financial Support This contract is co-financed by the European Social Fund and Alentejo 2020, under the Operation: Highly qualified employment in companies - Hiring Highly Qualified Human Resources (PME or CoLAB). Project reference: ALT20-59-2018-49
To apply for this position, the following documents should be sent in a single PDF document: - Curriculum vitae (CV) - Motivation letter - Honor statement that all data provided in the CV is true (If the selected candidate does not hold a master's degree by a Portuguese Higher Education Institution, its recognition by the Portuguese State must be delivered after signing the contract, under the terms of the Portuguese Decree-Law No. 66/2018)
Where to send the application To the care of the Chief Executive Officer of InnovPlantProtect Collaborative Lab, Professor Pedro Fevereiro (inpp@iplantprotect.pt).
Deadlines This call is open until November 6th 2020, with a decision expected by November 20th. The selected candidate is expected to start on December 1st.
General rules of data protection (GDPR) With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 26, 2016, commonly known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in order to ensure a fair and transparent treatment of the holder of the data, InnovPlantProtect informs that by applying for this position you are authorizing InnovPlantProtect to (1) collect and process your personal data deemed necessary and relevant to this recruitment process, (2) to disclose the results of the evaluation in accordance with the legislation in force.
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