On September 25, InnovPlantProtect (InPP) was present at the National Exhibition of Blue Bioeconomy Pact Projects, held at the Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal, for the exhibition session of the Algae Vertical project, led by PhytoBloom by Necton.
InPP, leader of sub-project 6 - Agriculture, was represented by department director Cristina Azevedo and executive director António Saraiva, who presented some of the new algae-based biosolutions that our team and partners are developing.
There were more than 300 participants and 80 entities, including companies, research centers and political decision-makers. The Opening Conference was attended by the Chairman of Inovamar's General and Supervisory Board, José Soares dos Santos, and round tables were held on the future of the blue economy in Portugal.
Algae Vertical explores the biotechnological potential of algae in sectors as diverse as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and energy.
Find out more about the Algae Vertical Project here.
InnovPlantProtect (InPP) recently received approval for an application submitted to COMPETE2030-2024-6 - Collective Actions - Transfer of scientific and technological knowledge - BioLivingLABS - Bioeconomy at the service of the sustainability of inland territories, led by MORE CoLAB - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação, Associação, in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) and AQUAVALOR.
BioLivingLABS aims to promote the economic valorization of research and development (R&D) results obtained by various institutions in the North, Center and Alentejo. To this end, it will create an experimental demonstration network, the so-called Living Labs, The project will be held in the innovation hubs of Mirandela, Douro, Covilhã and Elvas. In addition, demonstration actions, workshops, an inland innovation catalog and training on intellectual property protection will be developed with the aim of encouraging the incorporation of innovative solutions in the business sectors of these regions.
Scheduled to begin in October and lasting 24 months, the project has a total eligible investment of over 740,000 euros, financed by COMPETE2030 - Thematic Program for Innovation and Digital Transition. For InPP, this project is a strategic opportunity to strengthen its mission as a center for technology development and transfer, boosting the practical application of scientific knowledge to promote sustainable development.
This initiative confirms InPP's commitment to open and sustainable innovation, integrating science, technology and regional development to respond to the challenges and potential of the interior of the country.
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.
Elvas, in the heart of the Alentejo, is preparing to welcome a new entomology laboratory. This specialized facility will help improve our understanding of the world of insects, small giants that are vital to ecosystems. More than a scientific research center, this laboratory aims to develop innovative strategies for pest management and control and support more sustainable agricultural practices, fostering collaboration between researchers, farmers and companies 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 space where we can study, breed and exhibit insects, unlocking their secrets and applying that knowledge for the benefit of agriculture and the environment,” explains Hadi.
The installation of the laboratory, already underway since 2024, faces complex challenges, from finding funding to creating specialized infrastructures that simulate the insects“ natural habitats. ”Every detail is crucial and meticulously planned,“ reveals Hadi. ”We need to control the temperature, humidity and lighting to create an ideal environment and to ensure the well-being of the various species of insects that will reside here."
Hadi Sheikhnejad, an entomologist at InnovPlantProtect, engaged in the observation and study of insects in the new entomology laboratory in Elvas, which is yet to be set up.
And what species will these be? The laboratory will house an impressive diversity of insects, from beneficial predators such as ladybugs and parasitoid wasps, responsible for natural pest control, to agricultural pest species such as leafhoppers, aphids and whiteflies, and decomposers, important for maintaining soil health, such as soldier flies. “Each 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, reducing our dependence on synthetic pesticides.”
Technology is a fundamental pillar of the laboratory. “We are integrating cutting-edge technologies such as image analysis using Artificial Intelligence (AI), 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 diagnose infestations accurately, revolutionizing the way we deal with pest management.”
The laboratory will not be limited to research. It will offer consultancy services to farmers and companies that will include pest identification and, over time, the development of pest management strategies, the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM), training workshops on insect monitoring and access to auxiliary insects, which will act as biological pest control agents to help farmers control infestations naturally.
Looking to the future, Hadi shares his vision for the laboratory: “We would like to be a reference laboratory for sustainable agriculture”. “By sharing our knowledge and experience gained in the entomology lab, we can help promote more ecological and efficient agricultural 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 this project. “We are open to partnerships with companies in the agricultural sector, research institutes, universities, other CoLABs and governmental or non-governmental organizations,” says Hadi. “We believe that these collaborations are essential for driving innovation and finding 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 and pest management.
What are the main diseases affecting olive trees in Portugal, and how do they impact olive oil production? Why does the bacterium 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢 pose such a threat to olive groves and olive growers? What prevention and control measures are recommended to prevent the spread of this bacterium? How are we innovating in the monitoring and management of diseases in olive groves and of 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢?
These are some of the questions that will be answered in the webinar “Olive Tree Diseases and 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢”, promoted by the Center for the Study and Promotion of Olive Oil in Alentejo (CEPAAL), which will take place next Tuesday, April 1, starting at 10:30 a.m., and where these and many other topics will be discussed!
The director of InnovPlantProtect's Monitoring and Diagnostics Department, iLaria Marengo, will be one of the speakers at the webinar that will present the platform for monitoring the bacterium 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢, developed by our team, which is being used nationwide by the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV).
Participation in the session is free, but prior registration is required. You can register here.
See the full program in the image below.
This is an initiative developed under the Da Oliveira à Mesa project, promoted by CEPAAL and funded by the PDR 2020. The monitoring platform was developed as part of the SNM_XylellaVt - Sistema Nacional de Monitorização de Insetos Vetores da 𝘟𝘺𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢 project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
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