The objective of our program is to make agriculture sustainable by implementing new production technologies that reduce the impact of agricultural activities on the environment and maintain farm productivity.
Biodiversity has great potential to maintain the life and balance of agricultural ecosystems. In addition to improving pollination, species diversity makes an agroecosystem more resilient to new pests and emerging diseases, and in some cases invasive ones. For this reason, we want to promote natural control as a strategy to fight pests, favoring those species that we identify as allies in each crop. In addition, a species-rich ecosystem is better able to overcome adverse changes due to climate change.
We also work to improve crop health by managing soil fertility and microbiological biodiversity.
Ultimately, our program works to develop strategies that further reduce agriculture’s dependence on pesticides, water and fertilizers, and to promote the use of local biological resources, or functional biodiversity, and their role as an ecosystem service.
Applied entomology
Leads: Judit Arnó / Dolors Bosch
We study several groups of insects related to the study of biodiversity; those that act as vectors of diseases, emerging agricultural pests and what effect climate change has had on the distribution and behavior of these insects.
Plant pathology
Lead: Jordi Cabrefiga
We diagnose and control diseases that affect various crops, mainly caused by fungi and bacteria. In this vein, we also work on the pathological side of diseases transmitted by insects and how they are aggravated by the effects of climate change.
Soil health
Lead: Xavier Parladé
We study the ecosystem functions of soil according to its environment and the interactions of its components such as microbiota, plants and animals. We also work with arbuscular mycorrhizae and with the mass production of inoculums for the biofertilizer industry. Further, in relation to the production of high-quality protein, we work with saprophytic edible mushrooms.
