Research Areas

Three research areas are currently active: 1) Etiology and management of diseases caused by plant-parasitic nematodes; 2) Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in the biome Atlantic Forest; and 3) Assessment of ultra-diluted preparations for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes.

In Etiology and management of diseases caused by plant-parasitic nematodes, nematodes parasite of guava, sugarcane, pineapple, passion fruit and coffee crops have been studied. Several research projects have been conducted in the subjects of etiology, ecology, spatial distribution and sampling, assessment of plant damage and losses (yield and economic), field management strategies, biological control, genetic resistance and nematode interactions with other pathogens.

In Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in the biome Atlantic Forest, we have identified parasitic nematodes of dozens of tree species native to the Atlantic Forest. The effect of nematode parasitism on plant growth has been characterized in some cases. We have also characterized the community of nematodes associated with tank-forming bromeliads (phytotelma) in the montane and restinga forest ecosystems, and we have investigated which climate and microenvironmental factors are determinant in nematode ecology. Soon we`ll begin the characterization of the nematode community (and its ecology) associated with the Atlantic Forest canopy.

In Assessment of ultra-diluted preparations for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes, we´re investigating the effect of ultra-diluted preparations on nematode parasitism and reproduction, and on the host plant. The biochemical processes involved in those effects will also be investigated.

Over the years, these research areas have received funding from federal and state agencies such as CNPq, FAPERJ and Embrapa-Café, as well as logistical support from growers and municipalities.

Two additional research areas were developed over several years, with their results been published in several scientific papers. These are Potential of entomopathogenic nematodes for the biocontrol of agricultural and urban pests and Evaluation of Nematology training in undergraduate and graduate courses in Brazil. These research areas are not currently active.

Our publications can be seen at the platforms Lattes or ResearchGate.