Project M3.3.B/ORG.R.C./004/A/2024

The pathogen agents group of the Azores Biotechnology Center (CBA) was invited by the International Biological Control Organization (IOBC-WPRS) to organize the 19th meeting of the “Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests” group in the Azores in 2024. We accepted the challenge because the University of the Azores has had research teams working on this topic since the founding of the LEA by Professor Vasco Garcia in the early days of the University. Since then, a lot of scientific knowledge has been created in this field of knowledge and IOBC meetings have been very frequent. Currently, we continue to work on these themes and have received very important acceptance, which is reflected in the regional, national and international support that we have obtained for many of our projects. With the organization of this Congress we hope to: Project research beyond our Region into what is being done at the University of the Azores in this field; Motivate our students towards this area of ​​knowledge and create contacts where they can develop their knowledge; Open new cooperation opportunities; Contribute to the effective implementation of the green deal on our Islands, by researching new effective, environmentally safe solutions for plant protection. Given the interest that this Congress seems to have in the projection of the University of the Azores, in the training of its students and researchers and in the development of safe solutions for the protection of plants and the environment in the Region, we request the support of the Regional Directorates of Science and Technology in holding this Congress in Ponta Delgada, certain that the topics and knowledge covered there will be of maximum interest in the protection of our agriculture and our environment.

IOBC-WPRS is one of six Regional Sections of the International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC). The IOBC was established in 1955 to promote environmentally safe methods of controlling pests and diseases in plant protection. WPRS members are individual scientists, governmental, scientific or commercial organizations from 24 countries in Europe, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. The working group "Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests" covers all aspects of insect pathology and advances in microbial control tools for Agroforestry challenges. This meeting aims to review the latest scientific advances in the field of Microbial and Nematode Control of Invertebrate Pests and promote discussion and collaboration among researchers. The meeting will serve as a platform to share the latest advances in biological pest control.