Dr. Inmaculada Garrido Jurado will be a speaker at the I Microbiome Forum, in which she will present her knowledge about the new modes of action of entomopathogenic fungi.
She is a Doctor of Agricultural Engineering and Assistant Professor of the ETSIAM of the University of Córdoba. He belongs to the AGR163 “Agricultural Entomology” Research Group since 2005. His main lines of research are “Agricultural Entomology” and “Microbial Pest Control with emphasis on the use of entomopathogenic fungi and their insecticidal proteins”. He answers questions of interest that will be discussed at the First Microbiome Forum.
What do you think of MICROBIOME? Do you think that a Forum of this type is necessary to shed light on the sector?
MicroBioma is a discussion forum on the use and application of soil microorganisms whose celebration becomes necessary after the entry into force of Royal Decree 999/2017 on fertilizer products. MicroBioma must be an unavoidable event for both researchers and professionals in the sector. This event offers the opportunity to exchange opinions between scientists and professionals, something that is not always possible, and encourages collaboration between the two, strengthening innovation in obtaining new products.
When did you discover your vocation for entomology? How has applied entomology, its knowledge and its practical application in pest control evolved since then?
Insects and their communities have always been fascinating to me, but my attention was focused on pest control after taking several subjects that the Department of Agricultural Entomology of the University of Córdoba taught in the Agronomist career. I joined said Chair to carry out the Final Degree Project and I have been in it for almost 15 years. Pest control with microorganisms has evolved remarkably in recent years, particularly that related to entomopathogenic fungi. It is worth highlighting the new ecological functions that have recently been described as endophytic microorganisms, promoters of plant growth, competent in the rhizosphere or antagonists of plant pathogens. Some of these functions were totally unknown when I started my scientific career.
"Pest control with microorganisms has evolved remarkably in recent years, particularly that related to entomopathogenic fungi"
One of your most outstanding investigations focuses on the control of the olive fly by means of entomopathogenic fungi. How far did the study go and what are the most relevant applications?
The olive fly Bactrocera oleae Rossi attacks the harvestable part of the olive tree and is responsible for 30-40% of the losses in total olive production in the Mediterranean region, there are even reports of losses caused by B. oleae of 100% of some varieties table and up to 80% of oil varieties. In addition, it is considered the main biotic factor that reduces the quality of the oil by increasing its acidity. The AGR163 “Agricultural Entomology” Research Group to which I belong has been developing an effective, economically viable, and environmentally friendly application strategy for entomopathogenic fungi for the control of this insect when it is found in the soil for more than 10 years. With the application of these to the soil under the tree canopy only once a year, we have achieved a reduction of 50-70% in the population density of the emerging fly from the treated soil. Up to now, this application strategy has received three awards: III Castillo de Canena Prize for Olive Research "Luis Vañó" (2016), Special Mention from the Regulatory Council for the Baena Denomination of Origin and I INNOVAGRO prize for innovation in agriculture 2016 at the Technological Innovation category. We are currently at a key moment, the transition from the academic field to the company. INNOLIVAR, a Public Procurement of Innovation project in its Pre-commercial Public Procurement modality of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the University of Córdoba, co-financed in an 80% by FEDER funds, within the Pluriregional Operational Program of Spain 2014-2020, is allowing said transit to the bidding companies to optimize the formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus with a view to its commercialization.
Biological control by means of entomopathogenic fungi is currently emerging as the great alternative to chemical insecticides. What are its benefits based on?
Entomopathogenic fungi, as microbial control agents, are unique and relevant because they invade their hosts directly through the integument without having to be ingested, a fact that is especially important in the control of insects found in cryptic environments where they cannot access other microorganisms. To this is added that its mass production is relatively easy, as well as its application in the field. In addition, the new ecological functions as endophytes or competent in the rhizosphere open a new horizon in plant health by protecting the plant against insects and diseases.
How do you see the biological fight in plant health? What projects are being carried out in your Center?
Biological control, both in terms of macrobial control with the use of parasitoids and predators, and microbial control with entomopathogenic microorganisms, should be the main strategy in plant health, as it is respectful of the environment and human and animal health. At the Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineers of the University of Córdoba there are several research groups working in this regard on different aspects of plant health. Among them are the groups AGR163 "Agricultural Entomology" and RNM-322 "Biological bases for the knowledge, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity" for the control of agricultural and forestry pests and AGR-216 "Agroforestry Pathology" in the control of diseases .
"Biological control should be the main strategy in plant health, as it is respectful of the environment and human and animal health"
In his presentation, he will illustrate for us "new modes of action of entomopathogenic fungi. What will those attending his talk be able to discover?
In the presentation you will have the opportunity to see how the mode of action of the entomopathogenic fungi that we have all studied has changed in recent years, with new and surprising strategies to kill insects. In addition, they will be able to verify how entomopathogenic fungi are not only entomopathogenic.
And the most important challenges of biological pest control for the future?
The main challenge of biological pest control is probably the reduction of lethal times. It is true that some microorganisms or their products can achieve mortality in hours, but in general several days are necessary, which means that they are not totally suitable for certain pests. On the other hand, it is necessary to establish precise protocols to determine the effects on terrestrial and aquatic auxiliary fauna and the production of compounds that compromise food safety.
"The main challenge of biological pest control is probably the reduction of lethal times"
What advice would you give young people who are beginning their career in applied entomology and biological pest control?
My advice is transversal to any area of knowledge, for me the most important characteristic for a scientist is vocation. Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin guides us perfectly with the following words: “Do not embark on a scientific career in search of fame or money. Take up a scientific career only if there is nothing else that satisfies you; because that's probably all you'll ever get. Your reward will be to expand the horizon as you go up. And if you get that reward you won't want another one.
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