The AgroEvolution Project

The AgroEvolution Project is a flagship initiative of the Institute aimed at revolutionizing sustainable agriculture practices through advanced biotechnology. This project addresses the urgent global need for sustainable food production while preserving biodiversity. Its scope is to increase agricultural resilience, reduce food insecurity, and promote economic development through modern propagation technologies of crops and training for farmers. This project focuses on the use of different advanced biotechnological tools to make agriculture an economical viable activity in Puerto Rico. The culture of plant cells under in vitro conditions or micropropagation is a proven technology to supply unlimited number of selected planting materials, reduce the risk due to natural disasters, ensure food security, generate employment, and improve the economy.

Objectives

The project focuses on the preservation and enhancement of agricultural biodiversity by integrating traditional farming practices with modern biotechnological advancements.

Utilizing soil microbiomes to enhance nutrient availability and resistance to pathogens, leading to healthier crops and reduced chemical usage.

 Developing and promoting climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions and improve food security.

Research
Components

Improvements to the Micropropagation Techniques of Crops

  • This project is using micropropagation techniques to produce high quality plants for farmers and to revitalize agriculture as a motor to drive prosperity in the community. Advances have been obtained in the transition from gelled to liquid culture media, as well as using basic plant explants and somatic embryogenesis.

Genetic Diversity Trials

  • Testing a variety molecular marker to explore the quality of plants and their adaptability and resilience in the tropical environment.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Developing biocontrol agents from native plants to manage agricultural pests and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Community Workshops

  • Engaging local farmers in educational workshops that focus on sustainable practices, agroecology, and the significance of crop diversity.