Pest control ecology

Our research group focuses on the study of interactions between plants, herbivores and natural enemies in agriculture, with the aim of developing sustainable and effective strategies for pest control. Our research encompasses community and evolutionary ecology in the management of agroecosystems exposed hostile environments. We study plant resistance mechanisms against pests as well as strategies by pests to cope with defenses, including suppression of plant defenses. We also analyze the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on relevant traits of predators and how these affect the dynamics and structure of agricultural communities. The fusion of these two research areas allows for a more holistic understanding of interactions in agroecosystems and the development of more effective and sustainable pest control strategies.