IMD in Paraguay

Small Science, Big Impact - National Webinar on Microorganisms and Biocontrol

When: 17 September 2025

Time: 08:30 - 15:30

Where: Webinar in National University of Asunción - CEMIT - UNA - Paraguay

Event Description: The national webinar “IMD Paraguay: Small Science, Big Impact” is organized by the Mycology Investigation Safety Team (MIST), a research group at the Centro Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Tecnológicas (CEMIT) of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA). It is supported by the Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FACEN-UNA) and the PDM Fungi Group (Pathogen Detection, Monitoring and Damage Assessment Fungi Group) from the Unidad Pedagógica Hohenau of the Universidad Católica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

The event commemorates International Microorganism Day (IMD), celebrated globally on September 17, and aims to highlight the pivotal role of microorganisms in sustainable agriculture and plant health. The virtual format via Zoom, with YouTube streaming, ensures broad accessibility.

The webinar will feature national and international experts who will explore microbial applications in crop protection, with topics including:

  • Biocontrol of fungal pathogens in soybean and yerba mate

  • Use of microbial agents (Trichoderma, Bacillus) for plant protection and growth

  • Microbiomes and rhizosphere engineering

  • Control of mycotoxins and fungal contaminants

  • Antimicrobial use and risk management in crops

  • Biodiversity and molecular tools for beneficial microbes

  • Legal and regulatory aspects of biocontrol in Paraguay

  • Microbial ecology and agroecosystem resilience

Speakers include distinguished researchers affiliated with Paraguayan universities and international institutions (see CV links provided), contributing to scientific exchange and fostering national collaboration.

The event targets students, researchers, professionals, and stakeholders in microbiology, plant pathology, agronomy, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. It aims to raise awareness of microbial biocontrol, showcase innovative research, and celebrate IMD through a high-impact, knowledge-driven initiative.
The full programme is currently under development and will be announced soon.

Registration & Participation

The event is free and open to the public. Participants will receive a digital certificate of attendance. A registration form link will be distributed in advance.

Youtube chanel of CEMIT
https://www.youtube.com/cemitpy

FEMS Microbiology