Embrapa scientists achieve global impact and secure bioinsecticide patent

Embrapa researchers have achieved significant recognition in the global scientific community, with 24 scientists from 13 units ranked among the world's most impactful. This ranking, based on data from Stanford University and published by Elsevier, evaluates researchers based on citations and the h-index rather than publication volume. Notable researchers include João Henrique Moreira Viana, specializing in bovine reproduction biotechnology, and Jayme Barbedo, who develops artificial intelligence solutions for livestock monitoring.

In addition to scientific recognition, Embrapa and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS) have been granted a patent by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) for a new bioinsecticide technology. The patent covers methods for the production, stabilization, and use of fungal blastospores, specifically utilizing Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps javanica.

This innovation utilizes liquid fermentation to multiply entomopathogenic fungi, addressing a historical industry bottleneck by reducing production time and maintaining cell viability after dehydration. In trials against whitefly nymphs, the blastospores required four times less concentration to achieve a 50% mortality rate compared to conventional methods.