MICROVEC: Towards the manipulation of Hemipteran vectors of plant pathogens via insect microbiome modifications

MICROVEC is a new initiative designed to address the limited knowledge of how insect microbiomes interact with plant pathogens, exploring innovative strategies to combat these organisms. Funded for two years by the HOLOFLUX metaprogram of INRAE, it aims to foster collaborations among researchers through online seminars, conferences, and workshops.

In recent years, many studies have focused on the composition and assembly of host plant microbiomes to identify potential natural antagonists and understand their role within the microbiome. Similarly, modifying the microbiomes of insect vectors could represent a new strategy for combating phytopathogenic organisms—either by strengthening the insect’s immune system or by directly antagonizing the plant pathogens. However, we currently have very limited knowledge about the interactions between the microbiomes of insects and the plant pathogens they transmit. To foster new collaborations in this field, MICROVEC is directed toward researchers who (i) are already studying the microbiomes of vector insects and/or (ii) are interested in plant microbiomes and/or phytopathogenic organisms.

MICROVEC is a new initiative aimed at establishing a network among researchers studying the microbiomes of hemipteran insects involved in transmitting plant pathogens. The project is funded for two years by the HOLOFLUX metaprogram of the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAe). During these two years, we will organize online seminars as well as conferences and workshops to (i) assess our current knowledge on the microbiomes of hemipteran vector insects, (ii) identify the main methodological and technical challenges, and (iii) promote collaborations among researchers.

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The MicroVec Team
Bessem CHOUAIA, Jessica DITTMER, Emmanuelle JOUSSELIN and Diego SANTOS-GARCIA