Resultados da busca

< Back Research Developing Nematode Control Alternatives Receives Awards at Conference Students Affiliated with INCT Plant Stress Biotech, Developing Nematode Control Alternatives, Win Best Research Awards at the 53rd Brazilian Phytopathology Congress. Nematodes have a significant impact on agriculture by attacking plant roots, disrupting their growth and nutrient uptake. These parasites can cause substantial damage in various crops, including banana and cotton. In the banana crop, for instance, nematodes can weaken plants, displaying symptoms like yellowing, wilting, and even premature death of seedlings. In cotton, these organisms can induce the formation of root galls, impairing water and nutrient absorption, leading to reduced productivity and fiber quality. Cotton Plant Roots Infected by Nematodes. The Marked Areas Are Galls, Structures Formed as a Result of Infection by the Nematode M. incognita. Effectively controlling nematodes remains a constant concern for farmers, as inadequate management can result in significant harvest losses. Techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and application of nematicide chemicals are some of the approaches used to mitigate damage caused by these parasites. However, a more sustainable and promising approach is the development of plants resistant to nematodes. Through biotechnology techniques, it's possible to improve the resistance genes into target crops, granting them the ability to better withstand nematode attacks. This approach not only reduces reliance on chemical agents but can also boost crop productivity and quality, thereby contributing to food security and agricultural economies. Best Research in the Undergraduate and Master's Categories Between August 7th and 10th, 2023, the 53rd Brazilian Phytopathology Congress took place in Brasília, Federal District. The event aims to bring together professionals from the fields of education, research, and extension in both the public and private sectors, as well as students from Brazil and abroad, along with experts from various segments of production chains. The Conference objective is to discuss the current status and scientific advancements related to plant diseases and their control methods, fostering knowledge exchange and anticipating new challenges to be overcome. Bringing innovations and promising outcomes to agriculture, Sara Vitorino da Rocha Lemes , a Biotechnology student, and Lucas Santos Bastos , an Agronomist and Master's candidate in the Phytopathology Postgraduate Program, both from the University of Brasília - UnB, were awarded for their research. Sara earned second place in the Undergraduate category, while Lucas secured third place in the Master's category. Sara's work, titled "Development of cotton plants with reduced susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita through RNA interference". The aim of Sara's work is to develop transgenic cotton plants that produce a specific RNA molecule for nematode control. Therefore, when the parasite feeds on the plant, it also ingests this RNA, hampering its development and reducing the number of galls and eggs in the plant roots. Lucas's master's research aimed to identify and characterize genes associated with resistance to M. incognita and tolerance to water stress, as well as how the interaction between these two stresses occurs in banana plants. Through this study, it becomes possible to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms linked to these stresses and provide data for banana genetic improvement. It was with the work titled "Differential Expression of Genes Associated with Meloidogyne incognita Infection and Water Deficit in Musa acuminata " that he secured third place in his category. These awards showcase the quality and effectiveness of projects affiliated with INCT Plant Stress Biotech, as well as one of INCT's objectives in developing biotechnological tools for the Brazilian agribusiness.

< Back CGF5: nova linhagem de trigo para o cerrado, resistente ao brusone O Centro de Genômica e Fitomelhoramento da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), em colaboração com o Programa Trigo da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), desenvolveu a linhagem de trigo CGF5, adaptada para o Cerrado. Testada em condições de sequeiro e irrigação, a CGF5 apresentou alta produtividade e moderada resistência à brusone, uma doença fúngica que pode causar perdas significativas na produção. A resistência à brusone é de extrema importância, pois essa doença é responsável por grandes prejuízos nas lavouras de trigo, especialmente em regiões com clima quente e úmido, como o Cerrado. A capacidade da CGF5 de tolerar a brusone contribui para a estabilidade da produção e a segurança alimentar. Com os ensaios de Valor de Cultivo e Uso (VCU) finalizados, o processo de registro e proteção da cultivar está em andamento. Os estudos, coordenados pelos professores Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPel) e Maicon Nardino (UFV), estão em desenvolvimento desde 2022. Na foto em destaque, vemos a linhagem CGF5 em uma parcela de produção de sementes no Departamento de Agronomia da UFV. Na foto em destaque, no primeiro plano, a linhagem CGF5 em parcela de produção de sementes nas dependências do Departamento de Agronomia da UFV.

< Back Antonio Costa de Oliveira, researcher at INCT PlantStress Biotech, participated in international scientific events Professor Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPEL), a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, attended the 4th BIOIBEROAMERICA conference in Monterrey, Mexico, from September 3 to 6, 2024. He delivered a keynote lecture titled Climate Change Ready Rice: Lessons from Abiotic Stresses . The meeting was organized by FIAMBIOT (Federación Iberoamericana de Biotecnología), which includes the Brazilian Society of Biotechnology (SBBIOTEC) as a member. The event attracted approximately 250 participants from various countries in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, fostering discussions on advancing biotechnology for a sustainable future. Following this, Professor Costa de Oliveira participated in the ISRFG2024 (International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics) in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, from September 9 to 11, 2024. He presented a talk and a poster on The Collection and Characterization of Wild Rice in Brazil . This symposium also focused on sustainability and strategies for feeding the growing population without compromising the planet's health.

< Back Pesquisa do INCT PlantStress Biotech é destaque em encontro estudantil A pesquisa realizada no INCT PlantStress Biotech foi destaque durante o XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil, ocorrido na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia (Cenargen), em Brasília, entre 28 e 30 de agosto. Sara Vitorino da Rocha Lemes e Bruna Medeiros Pereira receberam a premiação de melhor trabalho na categoria Biotecnologia, em nível de graduação e pós-graduação, respectivamente. Sara Rocha é estudante de graduação em Biotecnologia na Universidade de Brasília (UnB) e bolsista de Iniciação Científica do programa PIBIC/CNPq/Embrapa, sob orientação das pesquisadoras Carolina Morgante e Fatima Grossi de Sá. Em seu trabalho, “Plantas de algodão geneticamente modificadas com redução da suscetibilidade a nematoides formadores de galhas e à seca”, Sara apresentou a estratégia combinada de superexpressão de um gene de tolerância à seca e de silenciamento de um gene vital do nematoide Meloidogyne incognita , usando a tecnologia do RNA interferente, para a obtenção de plantas menos suscetíveis a esses dois estresses, simultaneamente. Já Bruna Medeiros, mestre em Agronomia pela UnB e bolsista DTI-B/CNPq na Embrapa Cenargen, apresentou o trabalho “Uma abordagem trans-espécies para validação funcional in root e seleção de genes candidatos para resistência a fitopatógenos em leguminosas”. Sob orientação das pesquisadoras Ana Brasileiro e Patrícia Guimarães, Bruna destacou os resultados promissores de um sistema para rápida validação funcional de genes de resistência em raízes de soja, amendoim, grão de bico, feijão comum, feijão caupi, guandu e alfafa. Mais detalhes sobre esta pesquisa podem ser acessados nas recentes publicações nos periódicos PlosOne e Planta e na patente depositada pela equipe. As bolsistas Bruna Medeiros e Luanna Pinheiro recebendo a premiação de membros da comissão organizadora. Neste mesmo evento, receberam menção honrosa as estudantes Nayara Sabrina de Freitas Alves, doutoranda na Universidade Federal do Paraná, pelo trabalho “Modulação transcricional e traducional via CRISPR-Cas visando a tolerância da soja à nematoides de galhas” e Luanna Pinheiro A. F. Bezerra, doutoranda na Universidade Católica de Brasília, pelo trabalho “Plantas de soja tolerantes ao déficit hídrico por meio da modulação da via de controle de morte celular programada induzida por estresses utilizando CRISPR/dCas9”. As duas estudantes são orientadas pela pesquisadora Dra. Maria Fátima Grossi de Sá. O XXVII Encontro do Talento Estudantil contou com 150 participantes inscritos, entre estudantes de graduação, pós-graduação e pós-doutores. Teve como objetivos a divulgação dos trabalhos realizados na Embrapa Cenargen nas áreas temáticas de Biotecnologia; Controle Biológico, Quarentena e Recursos Genéticos e o incentivo científico a jovens estudantes e bolsistas. Texto: Dra. Carolina Morgante

< Back Science uses genetics against plant parasites Ciência usa genética contra parasitas de plantas Estratégia é estudada por bolsista do Programa CAPES-Cofecub que recebeu o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology. Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira pode ter encontrado um novo caminho para combater pragas parasitas, chamadas nematoides, em plantas como algodão e soja. Bioquímico e aluno do Programa de Biologia Molecular da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), ele desenvolve sua pesquisa em um doutorado-sanduíche no Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRAe), na França, com bolsa do Programa CAPES-Cofecub . Sua estratégia tem sido aplicar a engenharia genética, com ênfase na tecnologia do RNAi. Os experimentos estão sendo desenvolvidos na UnB, na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia e INRAe, sob a supervisão da professora Maria Fátima Grossi de Sá (Embrapa), com cosupervisão de Janice de Almeida Engler (INRAe). “Utilizamos a tecnologia do RNA de interferência para o silenciamento do gene Minc03328 e outros candidatos deste patógeno e verificamos grandes níveis de resistência em planta-modelo”, comemora. Ele acredita que, muito em breve, essa estratégia possa ser usada na cultura de soja e algodão geneticamente modificados. Os resultados de suas pesquisas são promissores e os dados podem ser consultados na revista PLANTA, Volume 255, edição 2, ou pelo link https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-022-03823-4 . Com suas pesquisas, Valdeir Moreira conquistou o 1º lugar em dois concursos: no Talento Estudantil na Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, e no 10° Simpósio de Biologia Molecular pela Universidade de Brasília, além de ser agraciado com o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology (ICN2022) . Programa CAPES-COFECUB Parceria com o Comitê Francês de Avaliação da Cooperação Universitária com o Brasil (Cofecub), o programa seleciona projetos conjuntos de pesquisa para incentivar o intercâmbio entre instituições de ensino superior e institutos ou centros de pesquisa e desenvolvimento públicos dos dois países. Legenda das imagens: Banner e imagem 1: Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira é estudante de doutorado do Programa de Biologia Molecular da Universidade de Brasília - UnB (Foto: Arquivo pessoal) Imagem 2: Pesquisador foi agraciado com o Prêmio de Melhor Pôster na área de manejo de nematoides na agricultura no Seventh International Congress of Nematology - ICN2022 (Foto: Arquivo pessoal) A Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) é um órgão vinculado ao Ministério da Educação (MEC). (Brasília – Redação CCS/CAPES) A reprodução das notícias é autorizada desde que contenha a assinatura CCS/CAPES Source: CAPES

< Back World's Best Scientists 2025- Research.com The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) had 24 of its researchers recognized among the most influential in the world, according to the 2025 ranking by the international platform Research.com . This platform evaluates scientists based on bibliometric metrics of scientific impact, such as the H-index, total citations, and indexed publications. The analysis considers data extracted from the Microsoft Academic Graph database up to November 2024 and covers 26 fields of knowledge, including researchers from over 70 countries whose scientific output has international relevance and significantly contributes to scientific advancement. Animal and Veterinary Sciences Area Luciana Regitano (Embrapa Southeast Livestock) – Conducts studies in Animal Genetics, with an emphasis on Genomics, mainly involved in mapping genes related to economically important traits in cattle raised under tropical conditions. Marcos Dias (Embrapa Amapá) – Works in fish parasitology and immunology, focusing on aquaculture health and pathogen resistance. Maurício Alencar (Embrapa Beef Cattle) – Researcher in animal genetic improvement, with an emphasis on genomic assessment of productive and reproductive traits in beef cattle. Samuel Paiva (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works with Animal Molecular Genetics, emphasizing genetic diversity, genomics, conservation of genetic resources, molecular systematics, and genetic management of populations. Marcos Vinícius Silva (Embrapa Dairy Cattle) – National reference in aquaculture, with an emphasis on health, parasitology, and physiology of aquatic animals, especially fish. Ana Carolina Chagas (Embrapa Southeast Livestock) – Specializes in Veterinary Parasitology, focusing on ticks, gastointestinal nematodes of small ruminants, phytotherapy, nano-structured formulations based on plant molecules, and strategies for selective parasitic control. Gherman Araújo (Embrapa Dairy Cattle) – Animal scientist specializing in feed evaluation for animals, working on topics such as production in semi-arid regions, water use in ruminants, biosaline agriculture, nutrition, and xerophytic and halophyte forages. Ecology and Evolution Area George Brown (Embrapa Forests) – Works in ecology, with an emphasis on soil ecology, distinguished by his studies on edaphic fauna, especially earthworms, as bioindicators of environmental quality. Marcelo Simon (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Develops research in molecular systematics, legume taxonomy, plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and biogeography, focusing on Brazilian biomes, especially the Cerrado. Aldicir Scariot (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works in biodiversity conservation and management, as well as ecological restoration, with an emphasis on the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Environmental Sciences Area Joice Ferreira (Embrapa Eastern Amazon) – Conducts studies on ecosystem conservation and restoration, as well as biodiversity conservation strategies in agricultural and forest landscapes. Mateus Batistella (Embrapa Agricultural Informatics) – Specialist in geotechnologies and environmental monitoring, working in landscape ecology, land use and cover, and developing geospatial solutions for agriculture and environmental sustainability. Materials Science Area Luiz Henrique Mattoso (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Leader in research on nanomaterials and biodegradable polymers applied to agriculture, including smart packaging and sustainable inputs. Cauê Ribeiro (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Works on the synthesis of nanomaterials and advanced materials, with applications in controlled release of inputs, catalysis, and developing innovative technologies for agribusiness. Biology and Biochemistry Area Dario Grattapaglia (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – Works in forest genomics, with a focus on the genetic improvement of species such as eucalyptus, using molecular genetics tools and bioinformatics. Engineering and Technology Area Daniel Corrêa (Embrapa Instrumentation) – Researcher in the field of Material Science and Engineering and Nanotechnology, focusing on polymers and nanocomposites applied to agriculture, the environment, and biotechnology. Plant Science and Agronomy Area Mariangela Hungria (Embrapa Soybean) – Internationally recognized for soil biotechnology, conducting research on biological nitrogen fixation, microbial biodiversity, plant growth-promoting bacteria, inoculation technologies, microbial collections, and soil quality bioindicators. Segundo Urquiaga (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Works in soil microbiology and sustainable production systems, focusing on biological nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration, bioenergy, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Robert Boddey (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Specialist in nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics, using stable isotopes to assess sustainability in tropical agroecosystems.Bruno Alves (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Develops research on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and bioenergy, with an emphasis on sustainability in agricultural systems. Bruno Alves (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Conducts research on carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and bioenergy, with a focus on the sustainability of agricultural systems. José Ivo Baldani (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Pioneer in studies of diazotrophic bacteria associated with grasses and other crops, focusing on reducing nitrogen fertilizer use. Veronica Reis (Embrapa Agrobiology) – Works in soil microbiology and biochemistry, emphasizing plant-microorganism interactions, biological nitrogen fixation, and nutrition of tropical grasses. Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology) – A reference in plant genetic engineering and molecular biology, working on developing stress-resistant cultivars (biotic and abiotic) using tools like CRISPR/Cas and RNAi. Valeria Euclides (Embrapa Beef Cattle) – Focuses on pasture physiology and animal production in forage systems, emphasizing grazing management, morphogenesis, and the nutritional value of new cultivars. Brazilian scientific excellence recognized internationally The presence of 24 Embrapa researchers in the international Research.com ranking not only highlights the excellence of their individual scientific careers but also reinforces Embrapa's strategic role as one of the leading public institutions in science and technology dedicated to innovation for tropical agriculture. The recognition is even more significant when noting that two of the listed researchers — Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa and Mariangela Hungria — are coordinators of the INCT PlantStress Biotech and INCT MPCPAgro , respectively, reaffirming the scientific importance of both INCTs in promoting sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges. In addition to them, the researcher Rogério Margis , also a member of INCT PlantStress Biotech , was similarly listed in the ranking, as well as the researcher Segundo Urquiaga who is a member of the INCT MPCPAgro . Rogério Margis conducts research on small RNAs and non-coding RNAs in rice, soybean, and native Neotropical species, focusing on molecular mechanisms of response to abiotic stresses, the action of cysteine proteases and their inhibitors, as well as environmental proteomic and metagenomic analyses. He works in the fields of genetics and biochemistry, with an emphasis on gene expression regulation, molecular markers, and genome editing. This collective recognition elevates EMBRAPA, along with the INCT PlantStress Biotech and INCT MPCPAgro, to the forefront of global scientific hubs committed to advancing sustainable agriculture, plant biotechnology, and ensuring food security worldwide. Research.com – Best Scientists Rankings 2025

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech research shines at PAG32. The groundbreaking research conducted at INCT PlantStress Biotech was highlighted during the PAG32 conference held in San Diego, USA, from January 10-15. Nayara Sabrina, a postdoctoral researcher under Dr. Fatima Grossi’s supervision, was invited as a speaker to present her compelling work entitled “An ex-vitro soybean hairy root system for screening target molecules and CRISPR strategies applied in biotech approaches". Nayara introduced an innovative soybean hairy root system developed in partnership with Corteva Agriscience, which is now patented as of 2024. She detailed the system’s applications for validating genes associated with root-knot nematode resistance and CRISPR strategies. Her presentation culminated in stunning data on genome editing in stable plants, highlighting the hairy root approach's significance as a foundational step prior to extensive studies on soybean plants. The PAG32 conference stood out with 7 plenary talks, over 220 scientific workshops, and around 3,200 attendees, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists from public and private universities and companies worldwide. PAG was designed to disclose the most recent findings and developments in plant and animal genome research. The PAG32 program can be found at https://intlpag.org/PAG32/.

< Back Highlighting the INCT PlantStress Biotech’s Impact at the 2025 International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics (ISRFG 2025) Participation of the INCT PlantsStress Biotech at the 2025 International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics (ISRFG 2025), held from August 23-27, 2025, in Chengdu, China, under the theme “ Green and Nutritional Rice for Human Health and Sustainability” . The ISRFG 2025 took place in Chengdu, China, a city known as the "Land of Abundance." It featured three days of scientific sessions and included a program with eight thematic sessions: Yield, Grain Nutrition and Quality, Biotic Interactions, Abiotic Stresses, Crosstalk of Multiple Processes, Functional Omics, Plant Nutrition and Development, AI and Biotechnology. A notable focus in the event was the Young Scientists Report on Sustainability, Gene Editing, and Bio-information. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and biotic stresses, considerable progress has been emphasized in rice research, driving innovations that support sustainable agriculture and nutrition. Conference participants explored the latest discoveries in rice genomics to advance crop science, develop new tools, and promote global food security. One of the most significant highlights was Antonio Costa de Oliveira – UFPEL/RS, a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, who presented his work titled “WRKY Transcription Factors: A tool for Rice Resilience’. His research investigated the critical role of WRKY transcription factors in rice, particularly in Oryza glumaepatula , aiming to identify regulatory elements that can enhance resilience traits such as drought and heat tolerance. His findings provide valuable insights for genetic engineering efforts to develop resilient rice varieties, a crucial step in addressing global food demand and climate challenges. Overall, this works underscored the contribution of INCT PlantStress Biotech to sustainable agriculture and improved food security.

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech’s Participation in the International Congress of Nematology (ICN) in Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, France Professor Robert Miller (UnB), a member of the INCT PlantStress Biotech , participated in the 7th International Congress of Nematology (ICN) in Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, France, between the 1st and 6th of May 2022. As an invited speaker in the omics session, he delivered a lecture entitled “Analysis of the banana root transcriptome in response to root-knot nematode infection and water deficit” with focus on results generated in the INCT project. Drought and nematodes are constraints to global agriculture that can occur simultaneously. Banana ( Musa spp.), whilst among the world’s most widely consumed fruits, is susceptible to both drought stress as well as infection by the endoparasitic root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita . Data from a transcriptome analysis of the responses to RKN, drought and combined stresses in a drought resistant Musa acuminata genotype from the Embrapa breeding program was presented. The ICN conference provided a forum for presentation and discussion on the state of the art of nematology, with the participation of scientists from more than 55 countries worldwide - https://www.alphavisa.com/icn/2020/index.php .

< Back Coordinator of the INCT PlantStress Biotech participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum during the Brazilian Congress of Entomology The researcher and coordinator of INCT PlantStress Biotech, Maria Fatima Grossi de Sa, participated in the RNAi Discussion Forum held on September 24, 2024, during the XXIX Brazilian Congress of Entomology in Uberlândia. At the event, she presented a talk titled 'RNAi Approach for Insect Pest Control: Advances, Applications, and Challenges.' Professors Diogo Manzano Galdeano from UFV and José Dijair Antonino from UFRPE also participated in the forum. The discussions addressed various aspects of using RNAi technology for controlling insect pests, combating insect vectors of phytopathogens, and the potential application of biocontrol and RNAi technologies in insect pest management.

< Back Highlight of the INCT PlantStress Biotech at the International Congress of the Brazilian Genetics Society – Genetica 2025 The INCT PlantStress Biotech is a pioneering initiative at the forefront of biotechnology, committed to developing groundbreaking solutions that significantly enhance crop resilience to environmental stresses, including drought, salinity, pests, and extreme temperatures. By harnessing the vast biodiversity of Brazil, the project isolates innovative biotechnological assets to generate biotech products that combat pests (via in planta and topical applications), improve drought tolerance, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and driving sustainable and high-impact practices in Brazilian agriculture. Supporting Brazil’s vital role as a leading global food exporter, the actions of the INCT foster innovation in genetically modified and gene-edited crops, diversifies the agricultural biotech market, and bolster the country’s scientific and technological leadership. Ultimately, INCT is transforming Brazilian agriculture, safeguarding food security, conserving resources, and cementing Brazil’s position as a global leader in cutting-edge agricultural technology. At the International Congress of the Brazilian Genetics Society – Genetica 2025, held in Belém, Pará, from August 13 to 16, 2025, the INCT PlantStress Biotech team led a dynamic session titled “Strategies for Mitigating Abiotic and Biotic Stress in Agriculture.” This influential session showcased three pioneering studies: 1- "Unraveling the molecular and physiological memory responses of the Setaria viridis root system to climate changes," by researcher Marcio Alves Ferreira (UFRJ-RJ); 2- "Molecular and physiological responses to water stress in rice: searching for a resilient crop," by researcher Antonio Costa de Oliveira (UFPEL-RS); and 3- "Innovations in nanoformulations for enhanced RNAi-based insect pest control: overcoming challenges and improving efficacy," by researcher Maria Fátima Grossi de Sa (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília-DF). Through innovative biotechnology and collaborative efforts, INCT PlantStress Biotech is paving the way for a sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive future for Brazilian agriculture.

< Back INCT PlantStress Biotech Coordinator Receives World’s Top Entomology Award The coordinator of the INCT PlantStress Biotech, Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa, was awarded the prestigious researcher Certificate of Distinction by the Council of the International Congress of Entomology on August 25 in Kyoto, Japan. The esteemed accolade is recognized as the highest honor in entomology worldwide and was presented during the XXVII International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2024). This distinguished award is bestowed every four years to researchers or research groups that have made remarkable contributions to advancing the understanding of entomology. Dr. Grossi-de-Sa’s recognition highlights her profound impact on the field, showcasing her innovative research and unwavering commitment to overcoming critical challenges in biotechnology pest control. As a leader in research, Dr. Grossi-de-Sa utilizes advanced genetic engineering technologies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and genome editing, to develop plants resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Her research focuses on creating transgenic cotton plants that withstand the cotton boll weevil, significantly benefiting the Brazilian cotton industry. Additionally, she is developing genetically modified soybean and cotton crops resistant to caterpillars, root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp), and tolerant to drought.