Research Projects

Current and recently completed Research projects

“Genomic and functional approaches for understanding insecticide resistance mechanisms in major agricultural pests”

Period: 2012-2014

Funding : HSR Technology (Thalis),

Budget for NAGREF: 48,000 euros

“Genetic and Functional Characterization of P450 based resistance mechanisms for improving the sustainability of chemical control in major pests”

Period: 2013-2016

Funding : Bayer CropScience AG

Budget for NAGREF: 30,000 euros

«Integrated approach to control phytophagous mites of the Tetranychidae family”

Period: 2009-2011

Funding : Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus ,

Budget for NAGREF: 22.700 euros

Aim of the Project:

The project is aiming to record the most abundant Tetranychid species in Cyprus, collect data on their bio-ecology (host range, population density), study aspects of their physiology (mainly in relation to insecticide resistance), and investigated genomic diversity of proteins implicated in insecticide resistance, as  well as  of neutral genetic loci. 

‘Susceptibility of Tuta absoluta to insecticides’

Period : 2010 – 2011

Funding :  DuPont

Budget  for Nagref : 12.000 euro

Aim of the project

Validate a new IRAC bioassay method for estimating susceptibility of Tuta absoluta to insecticides. Determine baseline toxicity to insecticides indoxacarb and rynaxypyr.

‘Pilot programme of application of mass trapping of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus on plant parks of Cretan hotels”

Period : 2010 – 2011

Funding :  Hotels Candia Maris, Creta Beach, Agapi Beach, Apollonia

Budget :  8895 euros

Aim of project:

The application of IPM for the control of red palm weevil,  Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)  based on mass trapping.

‘Investigation of resistance of tobacco whitefly to insecticides’

Period : 2010 – 2011

Funding :  Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus ,

Budget for Nagref :  13.382 Euros

Aim of the project

This project investigated the distribution of B. tabaci in Cyprus, the role of wild host plants in the epidemiology of associated plant virus, the current statsu of resistance to chemical insecticides, the efficacy of new chemicals in the field, and the genetic structure of Cypriot B. tabaci populations.