2019•11•20     Colombia

Emerging infectious diseases caused by plant pathogens can develop unexpected epidemics, mainly when it is not known the causal agents and which conditions favor their appearance and permanence in crops. On the other hand, it is important to approach the current strategies implemented in the different countries of Latin America and the world, specially biotechnological tools including molecular techniques, bioinformatics, bioprocess scale up and instrumental analysis that enhance practices and knowledge about this topic, allowing the passage from basic to applied science.

Co organised with the University of Antioquia and Universidad CES, the course of “Biotechnological production of bio-inputs for the control of emerging plant diseases” will be held next November 25th to December 1st at Medellin, Colombia counting with Dr. Luisa Rojas and Dr. Paola Zapata as training course coordinators. Their experience in microbiology, biology and chemistry will deliver a multidisciplinary activity for students throughout the region and Colombians.

Participants are expected to be postgraduate students of microbiology, biology, pharmaceutical chemistry, bioprocess, agricultural or chemical engineers and researches involved in biotechnological fields.

This course premise is to provide with tools and training for recognition of emerging infectious diseases in banana and cacao crops and discuss about their current management and control. Nevertheless, a discussion regarding the current agricultural systems and the use and abuse of agrochemicals that are endangering the safety of people, animals and the environment, affecting the quality of the soil and the beneficial microbiota of the crops, is desired.

Part of the practical activities will be hosted at The Finca Cocondo which is located in the Vereda La Meseta, south-west of the municipal seat of Titiribí, Southwest Antioquia, at a height between 1,400 and 1,600 meters above sea level, in a microclimate with optimal conditions for production of coffee.
For 17 years it has been developing sustainable models for coffee, fruit and heliconias crops, which aims to contribute to the conservation of the environment and provide customers with agrochemical-free products, which retain their natural characteristics of flavor, aroma and appearance .

These coffee plantations are agroforestry systems that offer numerous ecological and economic benefits such as the protection and conservation of biodiversity, soil protection, rain, frost and wind regulation, watershed protection, carbon sequestration, food generation and productive diversification.
Part of the training will be to bring participants closer to an organic coffee crop so that they know a local production model, where the use of bio-inputs presents a wide application.

Further information is available here