The research of the Biotechnological Pest Control group of the Universitat of València aims to optimise Integrated Management strategies designed for the control of pests of agronomic interest. The group's funding is supported by research projects and contracts financed by public and private entities. We are working specifically on three research lines, the objectives of which are summarised below:
- Study of the genetic and biochemical bases of pesticide resistance in order to delay pest emergence and avoid the phenomenon of cross-resistance.
- Development of new bioinsecticides: Extending the known spectrum of action of B. thuringiensis and the search for new entomopathogenic viruses.
- Insect-pathogen interaction: Identifying the mechanisms involved in the response to pathogens.
Since the 80s of the last century, environmental quality has been gaining interest in the scientific field, being a challenge to develop tools to understand and evaluate the implications of the negative effects of anthropic action on the biosphere, while ensuring sustainable development.
Since then, the group's research activity has focused on the study of the mechanisms and responses triggered by physical and chemical agents in animals, with the aim of their application in various contexts: in the development of new pesticides, in the evaluation of animal responses to global warming, in the evaluation of the toxicity of environmental pollutants, in the ecophysiological characterisation of pest and invasive species, and in the development and optimisation of biomarkers indicative of animal health and welfare.
The group uses specialised methodologies to carry out bioassays with substances of agrochemical (pesticides) and environmental interest in different insect species as well as in freshwater and marine animals (fish, crustaceans and molluscs). The environmental agents and problems investigated by the group include pesticides, metals, pharmaceuticals, nanoparticles, nano- and microplastics, temperature increase in relation to global warming, as well as invasive animal species. Studies are carried out using a variety of methodologies including exposure of animals to toxicants via ectopic, alimentary, aerial or aquatic routes, all under controlled conditions.
Studies are also carried out in the natural environment. Toxicokinetic studies are carried out, as well as the evaluation of physiological parameters (reproduction, level of energy reserves, osmolality, plasma metabolites), biochemical parameters (oxidative damage, antioxidant defences, metallothionein level, biotransformation enzyme activities) or through the use of omics technologies. The group collaborates with Spanish and foreign research groups in carrying out joint work, and also actively participates in international congresses by attending and organising them.
Diffraction of electromagnetic wave beams
Abstract: The diffraction of electromagnetic wave beams is studied theoretically and experimentally. The theoretical analysis consists of applying the angular spectrum method and the FDTD numerical simulation method. The frequency response and the angular distribution of the diffracted field are studied. Flat near-field measurements in anechoic chamber are used.
Field of application:
- Minimisation of radar response.
- Non-destructive analysis using electromagnetic fields.
- Propagation-scattering properties and radio-communications.
Measurements of passive devices and microwave antennas
Abstract: Microwave antennas and devices must be designed for each specific application: frequency response and polarisation, gain and radiation pattern in case of antennas. For instance, size restrictions, features regardless of the environment, user-friendly appearance and low cost. A very important part of the prototype design process is the measurements. Measurements are performed in an anechoic chamber with a 45MHz-110GHz vector network analyser. Measurements can be carried out in far-field, or in near-field for large antennas or reflectors, making the near to far-field transformation.
Field of application:
- Antenna development.
- Radio-communications.
- Calibration of radio-frequency equipment.
Computational electromagnetics
Abstract: Maxwell equations are solved numerically to take into account boundary conditions and complex materials. The Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique, spectral methods and the Transmission-line matrix (TLM) technique are used. The use of several techniques in the analysis of an electromagnetic structure allows the veracity of the results to be guaranteed, especially for the development of prototypes. Processing, optimisation and classification techniques such as neural networks are used.
Field of application:
- Design of Radio Frequency devices: Antennas and other passive radio frequency elements.
- Simulation of problems of propagation, penetration, diffusion and dispersion of electromagnetic waves.
- Study of the electromagnetic behaviour of complex structures: Electromagnetism of planetary atmospheres.
Environmental electromagnetic field measurements
Abstract: Environmental electromagnetic field measurements are carried out. Radiofrequency measurements associated with wireless communication systems. Measurements of electromagnetic fields of natural origin. Terrestrial geomagnetic field measurements. Low-frequency field measurements associated with network wiring, high-voltage wiring and transformers. Electromagnetic field shielding. Carrying out of electromagnetic field maps of natural and artificial origin.
Field of application:
- Electromagnetic pollution assessment.
- Environmental health.
- Minimisation of electromagnetic pollution.
Biomass processing and logistics
Abstract: In the surroundings of the Albufera, about 280,000 tonnes of biomass are generated. Its use not only involves an environmental challenge, but also an economic one. The study of its use, logistics, and the use of electromagnetic treatments would not only reduce emissions to the atmosphere, but also generate economic activity at a local level and reduce imports of raw materials.Campo de aplicación:
- Agro-economics.
- Energy.
- Recycling.
The group's research focuses on various aspects of insect biology and can address any general topic in Entomology. In the field of morphology, basic questions concerning the form and function of these organisms are addressed. This includes questions such as the morphology of venom glands in parasitic wasps and the structure and function of sexual organs in butterflies and moths, including aspects of sexual selection. In the field of taxonomy, work is carried out on groups such as Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, addressing the problem of identification, taxonomy and phylogeny from both morphological and molecular points of view. In the field of ecology, aspects such as host-parasitoid relationships in wasps (braconids and chalcidids) or the population dynamics of butterflies are dealt with. Applied Entomology deals with aspects such as the detection and identification of pests, the study of their biological cycles, the use of useful insects in biological control (bioassays of compatibility with the use of insecticides) or biorational insecticides and the use of pheromones in biological control.
Particularly noteworthy are the aspects related to the populations of culicidae and cockroaches. We also work on aspects related to the conservation of fauna such as the generation of red lists, studies of endangered fauna and micro-reserves and the conservation of protected butterflies.
The Biochemical and Molecular Genetics group of the Genetics Departmentof the Universitat de València has focused our research activity in the field of plant protection. Sustainable development, particularly in agriculture, is nowadays recognised as a common priority objective for humanity. The use of agrochemicals, specifically pesticides, is being limited and great efforts are being made in R&D&I to find and select new biological insecticide products that cause less damage to the ecosystem than chemical insecticides, and also the development of plant defence inducing treatments based on natural compounds, as an alternative to the massive use of synthetic products. In addition, the possibility of early detection of biotic and abiotic stress conditions in plants could prevent important losses of crops of interest and reduce dependence on pesticides.
Our research is focused on three basic lines:
1. Mode of action of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins on different insect pests.
Bioinsecticides and transgenic crops based on Bt, which are environmentally and health friendly, constitute a viable alternative for biological control.
The pathogenesis of Bt lies mainly in the insecticidal proteins produced during sporulation of the bacterium, which have been described to exert their insecticidal action through a mechanism comprising different steps. Our research is focused on understanding the molecular basis of the Bt toxins mode of action and their specificity in different insect orders in order to use the knowledge gained in the rational design of improved toxins to generate safer and more potent insecticides and to address problems that may compromise the use and efficacy of Bt in the field, such as the insecticidal spectrum or the emergence of resistance.
2. Natural plant defence mechanisms against pathogen attack.
Hexanoic acid (Hx) is a natural compound that acts as an inducer of plant defences through a priming mechanism, with a possible broad spectrum of action. The initial finding that Hx protects tomato plants against the fungus Botrytis cinerea led to the extension of its use to other pathosystems and to a patent for the use of short-chain monocarboxylic acids to protect plants against various stresses. This invention is currently marketed under the name Induct.
Our research is focused on studying the molecular mechanism underlying the Hx priming process by identifying new proteins through massive and targeted proteomic analysis. In addition, we are interested in analysing the effect of Hx treatment as an enhancer of Bt toxin action and the incorporation of this plant defence inducer in integrated pest management strategies.
3. Early detection of stress in plants.
Early detection of stress in crops of agronomic interest is critical for efficient plant protection to minimise losses and optimise treatments.
Our research in this area focuses on the characterisation of general stress biomarker profiles or specific stress biomarkers in tomato plants in response to biotic or abiotic stresses using two approaches: i) expression analysis of genes involved in defence mechanisms against biotic stress identified in previous transcriptomic analyses; ii) identification at genomic level of miRNAs by massive sequencing, which on the one hand can serve as biomarkers themselves, and on the other, will allow the discovery of new target genes involved in stress response and provide information on their gene regulation processes.
The study of metabolism is emerging as a central area of plant biology due to the growing interest in topics such as increasing agricultural production, bioenergy, exploiting plant chemical biodiversity or obtaining phytonutrients. The manipulation of plant metabolism to achieve some of the above-mentioned applications requires, first of all, a precise knowledge of the functioning of metabolic pathways and the networks that connect them.
Our research focuses on functionally characterising pathways of primary plant metabolism by combining metabolomics, bioinformatics, proethomics and genomics approaches. In addition, we try to elucidate the metabolic networks that connect the different pathways and how they interact with plant development. We are currently interested in the study of plastidial metabolic pathways, such as the glycolytic pathway or the phosphorylating pathway of serine biosynthesis.
This research group develops theoretical and applied research articulated around three fields of study: private sector, social innovation and public policies. Although the research carried out focuses on economics, the projects and collaborations are interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature. It collaborates regularly with scientific associations such as CIRIEC, with university research institutes such as IUDESCOOP, with public administrations such as the European Economic and Social Committee and the Spanish Ministry of Labour, and with business associations and social entities such as the Spanish Third Sector Platform, CEPES and Social Economy Europe.
It carries out five scientific and technical activities:
- Basic research based on the development of knowledge on Social Economy, Third Sector, Cooperativism, Social Enterprises, Common Good and Collaborative Economy. It contributes to the development of theoretical constructions that explain the logic of these private phenomena of a markedly social nature.
- Basic research on social innovation deployed from civil society and from territorial innovation and production systems. Special attention is given to territorial innovation systems based on cooperative unions, such as as the Mondragon group of cooperatives and the agricultural cooperative group Anecoop.
- Research on public socio-labour policies with a special focus on budgetary policies and those aimed at cooperatives and the third social sector. Economic policy measures, support structures, new regulatory measures linked to the deployment of social welfare services such as social clauses, social policy aimed at social, cultural and sport NGOs (associations and foundations) are analysed. Finally, policies aimed at cooperatives, worker-owned companies and other social entities such as Special Employment Centres and Insertion Companies are evaluated from an economic perspective. The comparison is made from a multi-level perspective (regional, state and EU).
- Research training of young researchers in social sciences and economics, through the official doctoral programme in social economy belonging to the research institute IUDESCOOP of the Universitat de València, in which the members of this group are particularly active, even assuming the coordination of the programme. Collaboration with other young researchers from the rest of Spain and abroad by dynamising the REJIES network - of young researchers in social economy.
- Promotion of strategic resources linked to research in social economy, economics and social sciences, actively participating in the development of scientific journals in their edition/coordination, in the management of a documentation centre specialised in social economy and social sciences such as the CIDEC of the Universitat de València and in the systematised articulation of a network of inter-university research groups throughout Spain through the RedEnuies network, which includes 21 centres, company chairs and university institutes of each university.
The research and research advocacy activity of the members of this group has a history of more than 25 years.
