The Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS)

The Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS) is focused on providing scientific knowledge and technological transfer that enhances the harmonization of food production with the conservation of natural resources and environmental protection. The IAS covers agronomy, crop breeding and crop protection profiting from modern tools and methodologies tested in Europe and Africa.

Research proposals shall cover the following lines:

• Development of management systems and technologies that optimize the conservation and efficient use of resources, mainly soil and water. Efficient use of water in irrigated agriculture systems under water scarce conditions. Use of models and remote sensing to facilitate sustainable management of agricultural systems.
• Crop breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Promotion of biodiversity in agriculture through conservation and enhancement of plant genetic resources. Development of cultivars with enhanced qualities oriented to the market demand.
• Co-designing cropping systems for improving food security, land and water productivity, soil quality and climate change mitigation in Africa. Analysis of strategies for the adaptation of agriculture systems to future scenarios of climate change. Development of innovative and environmentally friendly strategies for the integrated management of pests, diseases and weeds.