Facultad de Química y Biología

Agricultural crops are permanently exposed to infections caused by dangerous phytopathogenic agents, which can seriously damage plants and even cause losses of vegetable crops. 

One of the most harmful phytopathogenic bacteria for agriculture is the species Pseudomonas syringae, which affects kiwifruit, cherry, plum, tomato and bean plantations, among others. As a result of this infection, there are considerable losses in production and harvests, implying millions of dollars in economic losses for the industry.

Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF) is an international, interdisciplinary research program funded by the Australian government that seeks to understand in depth the impact of climate change on the ecosystems of the White Continent.

As part of this initiative, researchers are deployed to Antarctica each year to study in the field the environmental changes occurring in the polar region and in particular to analyze how mosses are adapting to the new conditions caused by climate change, especially those related to the increase in temperatures and UV-B radiation.

Chile is one of the world leaders in the aquaculture industry, positioning itself among the main producers of species such as Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, which are highly demanded in international markets. However, for the industry to be able to guarantee productivity and competitiveness at a global level, it must meet high standards of health and breeding of salmonids. It is therefore essential to prevent and treat viral infections that affect the health of the fish, which jeopardize the stability and quality of production.