Plant pathology and entomology

The biology, ecology, physiology and biochemistry of pathogens, pests and beneficial organisms in agro-ecosystems are studied. For a sustainable agriculture, measures to control pathogens and pests and to enhance functional biodiversity at different scales (field, farm, landscape), are developed.

Keywords: Agroecology, Apidology, Control, Disease, Entomology, Insects, Pathogen, Pathology, Pest, Plant, Pollination, Postharvest, Protection, Resistance, Systemic.

Main research fields

• Plant Pathology and Protection

Epidemiology, detection, identification and characterization of plant pathogenic fungi, bacteria (enclosing phytoplasmas), viruses and viroids

Molecular characterization and functional genomics of the plant pathogen interaction

Study diseases and latent infections of agricultural, ornamental and forest crops

Study and control of postharvest diseases and physiological disorders

Plant disease management and control

Study of natural compounds as systemic resistance inducers.

• Agricultural Entomology

Agroecology and landscape management to improve biological control of pests

Apidology and pollination ecology

Biology and rearing techniques of entomophagous insects

Insect physiology and biochemistry 

Sustainable control of native and exotic insect pests and side effects of insecticides

Biology and control of stored product insect.