DrosuGreen project addresses multiple unsolved questions that will contribute to better understand SWD population/biology and develop innovative strategies of biocontrol by 3 pillars of approach:
1 1) Disclose SWD populations genomes to understand invasion routes and epidemiological profiles;
2 2) Identify SWD and the SWD-microbiome responses to adverse conditions (by combining transcriptional and physiological targets in stressed-SWD); unveil how the SWD-microbiome contributes to SWD survival, specially during the winter months (overwinter), and if microbiome manipulation can be a tool to fight SWD;
3 3) Develop new biocontrol strategies using entomopathogenic fungi (EF) and spider venom peptides (SVPs), reducing the risk of SWD-resistance to insecticides.
DrosuGreen is being developed by a consortium of three teams, namely, FCUP-LAQV/REQUIMTE, BIOPOLIS-CIBIO/InBIO, and CITAB. The FCUP-LAQV/REQUIMTE team participates in SWD biological studies and microbiome interactions, as well as the synthesis and development of SVPs as new control agents against SWD; BIOPOLIS team participates in the population genomics studies and CITAB team participates in the use of EF as a sustainable biological alternative to agrochemicals to control SWD. |
