Designing new biopesticides for quarantine pests

The increase in pests due to climate change and the expansion of their distribution areas poses a significant challenge in the context of a constantly growing global population. In response to this complex situation, food production must adapt by adopting more sustainable practices. This means that pest control faces the urgent need to develop strategies that are not only effective for food security but also environmentally friendly. Exploring sustainable alternatives in pest control aligns directly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on responsible production, sustainable management, and the efficient use of natural resources. In this regard, it is crucial to find solutions that not only address the immediate issue of pests but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global food system. We build on the technologies currently used to control quarantine pests, aiming to discover new compounds that manipulate behavior in sophisticated ways. Thus, we seek alternatives compatible with technologies such as attract-and-kill, sterile insect technique, pesticides based on natural products, and others. We are studing the role of semiochemicals in pest-host interactions specially in Cydia pomonella, Ceratitis capitata and Lobesia botrana. In addition, we study the action of essential oils and constituents in attraction and reproductive behavior. We are looking for parterns to participate with a project in MSCA SE 2024.