IOBC-WPRS Meeting on Integrated Control in Citrus Fruit Crops
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Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants, West Palearctic Regional Section (IOBC-WPRS), we are pleased to announce the upcoming meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Control in Citrus Fruit Crops, scheduled for November 25-27, 2025, in Castellón de la Plana,Spain.
The meeting is organized by the Universitat Jaume I and Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA).
The venue of the meeting will be the FUE, Universitat Jaume I.
History of IOBC
Historically, the International Organisation for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) began in 1955 as a global organization affiliated with the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), with the objective of promoting, for pest control, realistic environmentally friendly methods, encouraging scientific collaboration, stimulating the dissemination of research and information and promoting the application of biological control and all methods that fit in an integrated pest management.
The origins of the Citrus Working group of the IOBC/WPRS goes back to the early days of the organization, when it was still called Commission Internationale de Lutte Biologique (CILB) in 1962. The impact of the group in citrus plant protection in the Mediterranean region has been considerable, fostering the biological control, especially in the first period in the 1970’s with outstanding activity of exchange of natural enemies to improve biological control. It followed a period of setting standards for sampling methodologies and economic thresholds in the 1980’s which paved the way and served as founding stone for the development and introduction of IPM or Integrated Production programs in most citrus producing countries in the 1990’s. Implementation and diffusion of these programs to the farmer level is not always easy and the introduction of new pests keep raising challenges to researchers trying to foster and popularize the techniques of biological and integrated pest management in Mediterranean citrus crops.
This international meeting intends to promote discussion on the major issues and research priorities for further development and spread of citrus IPM programs in Mediterranean countries. It will be an excellent platform for sharing ideas and discussions about citrus pests, pathogens and weeds, including new management strategies and methods in citrus orchards, and threats represented by new pests and diseases already present in the Mediterranean or which are posing an imminent threat to citrus industry.
Aspects of the conference
During the conference several aspects of IPM in citrus in relation to arthropod pests, pathogens and weeds will be covered. The proposed scientific sessions, among other things, will deal with:
• Citrus pest management
• Biocontrol strategies and methods
• Citrus diseases and weeds
Sessions will start with plenary presentations of 30 min by invited speakers. General oral presentations will be 15 minutes long and poster sessions will be scheduled daily. A visit has been planned during the conference, which will include visits to citrus orchards and packaging facilities located in the Castellón area, one of the main citrus-producing regions in Spain
About Castellón and Universitat Jaume I
The congress will take place at Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Castellón de la Plana, a dynamic Mediterranean city with a rich history and vibrant culture. The name Castellón might surprise visitors, as the city is located on a flat plain rather than atop a fortress. However, its origins trace back to the Cerro de la Magdalena, where the old settlement once stood. In 1251, King James I granted permission to relocate the town from the hill to the fertile plain, marking the birth of Castellón de la Plana.
Today, Castellón is a modern and welcoming city, known for its annual Fiestas de la Magdalena, which commemorate this historic relocation with a traditional pilgrimage and cultural events. The city boasts a mix of historical landmarks, such as El Fadrí bell tower and the Santa María Cathedral, as well as modern infrastructures.
Universitat Jaume I, established in 1991, is a young and innovative institution dedicated to research and academic excellence. Its open and modern campus provides an ideal environment for international congresses. Castellón is well connected, with both Castellón Airport (CDT) and Valencia Airport (VLC) offering convenient travel options.
Visitors can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, stunning natural surroundings, and the nearby coastline, making Castellón a perfect destination for both academic and leisure activities.
ORGANISING COMMITEE
Organising committee
Dra. María Teresa Martínez Ferrer (IRTA) Tarragona, Spain
Dr. Pablo Urbaneja-Bernat (UJI). Castellón de la Plana (Spain)
Dr. José Miguel Campos Rivela (IRTA). Tarragona, Spain
scientific commitee
Scientific committee
Dr. Victor Flors (UJI). Castellón de la Plana (Spain)
Dr. Alberto Urbaneja (IVIA). Valencia, Spain.
Dr. Pablo Urbaneja-Bernat (UJI). Castellón de la Plana (Spain)
Dra. Antonia Isabel Soto (UPV). Valencia, Spain
Dr. José Miguel Campos Rivela (IRTA). Tarragona, Spain
Dra. María Teresa Martínez Ferrer (IRTA) Tarragona, Spain
Dr. Nikolaos Papadopoulos (UT), Volos, Greece
Dr. Dionysios Perdikis. Agricultural University of Athens, Greece.
Dr. Vassilis Rodovitis. (UT) Volos, Greece.
Dr. Antonios Augustinos, ELGO Demeter, Greece.
Dr. Mario Bjelics, University of Split, Croatia.
Dr. Moulay Chrif Smaili. National Agricultural Research Institute Morocco.
Dr. José Carlos Franco. Instituto Superior de Agronomía, Lisboa, Portugal.
Dr. Jose Alberto Pereira. Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB). Portugal.
Dr. Gaetano Siscaro. University of Catania, Italy.
PROGRAM
| NOVEMBER 25TH | NOVEMBER 26TH | NOVEMBER 27TH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00:00 | |||
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08:00-09:00 |
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| 9:00:00 | |||
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09:00-09:30 |
09:00-17:00 |
09:00-09:30 Keynote speaker - Alberto Urbaneja (IVIA): Proactive strategies against HLB and its vectors: A Mediterranean perspective. |
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| 10:00:00 |
09:30-10:00 |
Integrated pest management 09:30-09:50 Preliminary evaluation of selected quality control parameters of an experimental biopesticide formulation based on a novel Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki isolate. Gül Ayyildiz 09:50-10:10 Role of non-cropped vegetation in the management of the new invasive species Scirtothrips aurantii Faure in the Mediterranean basin. Cesar Monzó 10:10-10:40 Coffe break 10:40-11:00 Mealybugs control using pheromones: from isolation to pest control. Vicente Navarro-Llopis 11:00-11:20 Moisture-dependent pupation of Chaetanaphothrips orchidii: implications for its management Carolina Junca Morales |
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10:00-10:30 |
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Biocontrol strategies and methods 10:30-10:50 Acute and residual toxicities of insecticides to citrus mealybug natural enemies. Sandipa Gautam 10:50-11:10 Are the highly polyphagous Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) a challenge for biological control? Sanja Radonjic 11:10-11:30 Progress in classical biological control of the invasive South African mealybug in citrus: four years of Anagyrus aberiae releases in Catalonia. María Teresa Martínez Ferrer 11:30-11:50 Biological control of Scirtothrips aurantii using predatory mites and Franklinothrips megalops. José Catalán 11:50-12:10 Combining conservation and augmentative biological control: the new strategy for pest control in citrus crops. Miguel Calvo 12:10-12:30 Development and uptake of a biocontrol program for citrus crops in Spain. Francisco Javier Calvo 12:30-12:50 Effects of Ground Cover Management and Entomopathogenic Fungi on Philaenus spumarius Populations in Lemon Orchards in Northern Portugal. Isabel Rodrigues 12:50-13:10 Posters session |
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| 11:00:00 |
11:20-11:40 Attractivity and ovipositional responses of volatile organic compounds from preferred host fruits to Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) Spyridon Antonatos 11:40-12:00 Context dependency in mycorrhiza-induced resistance modulates the response of citrus against Tetranychus urticae Victor Flors 12:00-12:20 Field and transcriptomic evaluation of herbivore-induced plant volatiles for sustainable citrus aphid management. Raul Ortells 12:20-13:00 Posters session |
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| 13:00:00 | |||
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13:10-14:40 |
13:00-14:30 |
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| 14:00:00 | |||
| 15:00:00 |
14:40-15:10 Keynote speaker - Maria Pappas (Democritus University of Thrace): Enhancing Biological Control through Plant-Mediated Defenses and Beneficial Microbes Biocontrol strategies and methods 15:10-15:30 Possibilities for improving the current control program of Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera, Tephritidae) in the Neretva Valley. Ivan Tavra 15:30-15:50 Assessing the success of parasitoids in classical biological control: a case study from Mediterranean citrus. Elena Romero Emerging pests and diseases 15:50-16:10 The Orange spiny whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus, and its parasitoid Eretmocerus iulii in Sicily. Carmelo Rapisarda |
14:30-16:00 Round table: New Challenges and Advances in Integrated Pest Management for Mediterranean Citrus |
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| 16:00:00 | |||
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Biodiversity, conservation and sustainability 16:00-16:20 Ant-mediated pest control with cover crops in citrus agroecosystems. Maite Fernández de Bobadilla 16:20-16:40 Associations between ground cover flora and beneficial arthropods in Mediterranean citrus systems. Jose Miguel Campos Challenges and opportunities of novel technological tools 16:40-17:00 Modelling spray deposition and efficacy of Sonar® for optimal control of Tetranychus urticae in citrus. Aizada Nugerbekova 17:00-17:20 Integrating and optimizing the use of Individual Protective Covers and brassinosteroids for protecting young citrus trees under endemic Huanglongbing. Fernando Alférez 17:20-17:40 Biopesticide and UAV-based strategies for sustainable control of Ceratitis capitata in citrus. Cruz Garcerá |
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| 17:00:00 | 16:10-16:40 Coffee break |
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Pest ecology 16:40-17:00 Occurrence and population dynamics of the Mediterranean fruit fly in the fruit-growing region of Central Macedonia, Greece. Vasilis G. Rodovitis 17:00-17:20 Trend in Aleurocanthus spiniferus infestation and the current status of biocontrol in Italy. Giuseppe Massimino Cocuzza Citrus diseases and weeds 17:20-17:40 Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Trioza erytreae Nymphs Developed on Citrus × limon and Citrus × sinensis Host Plants. Natalia Tomas Marques 17:40-18:00 Generally recognized as safe salts for a natural strategy to manage fungicide-resistant Penicillium strains in Moroccan citrus packinghouses. Meriem Hamrani |
17:40-18:00 New convenor election |
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| 18:00:00 | 18:00-18:40 Conclussion and outlook |
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| 19:00:00 | |||
| 20:00:00 | |||
| 21:00:00 | |||
| 21:00-00:00 Gala Dinner |
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| 22:00:00 | |||
| 23:00:00 | |||
| 0:00:00 |
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Alejandro Tena Barreda
Alejandro Tena completed his PhD thesis at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), where he studied how to improve the biological control of citrus and olive pests.
During his PhD, he carried out several stays abroad, including at the University of California, Riverside, where he delved into the use of parasitoids in biological control.
He later moved to IVIA (Institute of Agricultural Research in Valencia). Since his arrival at IVIA, he has collaborated in the development of several biological control programs to manage invasive pests.
He has recently obtained different national and international projects to improve the management of invasive and emerging pests that are currently causing serious damage to European agriculture. He has also several projects to determine alternative food sources for biological control agents.
Alejandro Tena has also served as Associate Professor at UPV, is vice-president of the Spanish Society of Applied Entomology (SEEA), Associate Editor of different scientific journals and has been the Treasurer of the “International Organization for Biological Control” (IOBC) for four years. In addition, he has worked for the “European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization” (EPPO) and the “European Food Safety Authority” (EFSA) as an advisor for different agricultural pests.
Alberto Urbaneja
Alberto Urbaneja is a Research Professor of Entomology at the Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Spain. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on citrus crops, addressing a wide range of key pests and developing biologically based pest management programs. On of his goals is integrating ecological and molecular tools to enhance plant resilience and reduce reliance on pesticides.
In recent years, his research has increasingly focused on huanglongbing (HLB) and the proactive management of its vectors. Alberto has led numerous national and international research projects, contributing over 400 scientific publications, including 182 in SCI-indexed journals. He has supervised 19 PhD theses and mentored many postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. His commitment to bridging science and practice is reflected in his strong engagement with farmers and companies, having secured 32 research contracts and collaborated closely with public institutions.
At the IOBC-WPRS 2025 meeting, he will present recent progress in proactive strategies to combat huanglongbing (HLB) and its vectors in the Mediterranean region, with a focus on early detection, containment, and ecological control approaches, primarily based on biological control.
Title. Proactive strategies against HLB and its vectors: A Mediterranean perspective
Maria Pappas
Maria Pappas is a Professor in Entomology and Acarology at the Department of Agricultural Development at Democritus University of Thrace (Greece).
She has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, a MSc in Crop Protection and a PhD in Entomology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece).
She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) and the University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands).
In 2014, she was awarded a Fulbright Award. Her main research interests are in ecology and biology of arthropods, biological control, integrated pest management, and plant-arthropod interactions.
Google Scholar: https://shorturl.at/3s9oP
ABSTRACTS
The communication will be submitted through the registration portal.
Guidelines for Conference Paper Submission and posters presentations
To submit a communication for the conference, authors must follow the formatting guidelines below:
Document Format
- Paper size: A4
- Margins: 2.5 cm on all sides
- Line spacing: 1.0
- Font: Times New Roman
Document Structure
Title
- Bold, lower case, normal font
- Size 15 pt
- Flush left
[Leave one blank line]
Authors’ Names
- Bold, lower case, normal font
- Size 12 pt
Authors’ Address
- Italic, lower case
- Size 12 pt
[Leave one blank line]
Abstract Text
- Normal font, lower case
- Size 12 pt
[Leave one blank line]
Keywords
- Provide three to five keywords, separated by commas.
Notes for Authors (Do not include in the abstract text)
- The abstract must not exceed 250 words.
- Ensure that the document meets all specifications before submission.
Any communication that does not comply with these guidelines may be requested for revision before acceptance.
Posters Format
Posters must be prepared in English and printed in a vertical A0 portrait format. They should be mounted on their assigned panels during registration and remain displayed until the Congress closing ceremony.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Abstract must be sent before September 15th, 2025
Early registration must be sent before October 1st, 2025
registration fees
|
TYPE OF PARTICIPANT |
Early registration (up October 1st) |
Late registration (after October 1st) |
|
Full fee (non-IOBC member) |
500 |
550 |
|
Reduced fee (IOBC member) |
400 |
450 |
|
pHD Student1 |
200 |
250 |
|
Local University student2 |
100 |
150 |
|
Accompanying person3 |
150 |
200 |
- A confirmation letter by the supervisor should be sent to the organization before July 31st. This special fee is not compatible with a reduced fee for IOBC members.
- Includes access to all activities except the gala dinner
- Access to the technical excursion (with lunch) and Gala dinner.
MEETING VENUE
The Congress will be held 25-27 November 2025, at the Doctoral School Building (Edificio Fundación Empresa) of Universitat Jaume I, Campus Riu Sec, s/n 12071 Castellón de la Plana Spain
ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL LUZ 4*
Modern and functional hotel in the heart of Castellón. Just a few minutes from the city centre, with excellent transport links from Valencia and Barcelona, you will find the Hotel Luz Castellón, a modern and elegant 4-star hotel, designed to offer a perfect stay in the city. Located in the new commercial area of Castellón, between the Corte Inglés, the RENFE train station and the Jaime I University.
The Hotel has 144 spacious rooms.
We would also like to highlight the gymnasium with sauna to be able to disconnect from the working day, and a great gastronomic bet: the Aqua Restaurant, awarded with One Sun by the Respol Guide, where you can enjoy the cultural tradition of the region and the Mediterranean soul of the avant-garde cuisine.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 964 201 010 - Fax: +34 964 201011
Email: reservas@hotelluz.com - http://www.hotelluz.com
TRYP CASTELLÓN CENTER 4*
Ronda Mijares, 86
Castellón de la Plana
[ Ver Mapa ]
Located in the centre of Castellón and only ten minutes by car from the beach, TRYP Castellón Center is the best option to stay and get to know Castellón, thanks to its privileged location, its complete and comfortable facilities and the quality of its services.
In addition, TRYP Castellón Center has 78 modern and fully equipped rooms; high speed Internet access (WiFi); gastronomic space (Breakfast Buffet/ Restaurant/ Lobby Bar); gym with sauna, for the exclusive use of our clients; spacious and bright hall with different spaces and 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity for 1500 people.
Contact information:
Tel: +34964342777 - Fax: +34 964 254929
Email: reservas@civishoteles.com - https://www.melia.com
HOTEL INTUR CASTELLÓN 4*
Hotel Intur Castellón is located right in the centre of Castellón, 200 metres from Puerta del Sol, in the financial, commercial and cultural area of the city. Its privileged location makes it a strategic place both for those who wish to go sightseeing and for those who are in the city on business.
This 4-star hotel is characterised by its spaciousness and luminosity, thanks to the large glass dome that forms its roof. The Hotel has 120 perfectly equipped rooms, as well as 3 lounges and a very luminous covered patio, ideal for holding business meetings, conferences, weddings and other events.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 964 394 497 - Fax: +34 964 395 896
Email: reservas@intur.com - http://www.intur.com
HOTEL JAIME I CASTELLÓN 3*
The Hotel Jaime I is a modern and comfortable hotel in Castellón located 5 minutes' walk from the centre of the town. The establishment is well connected by road and is 60 km from Manises Airport. It has 89 rooms and its facilities are covered with free WiFi Internet connection.
At the Hotel Jaime I you will find 89 rooms equipped with everything you need to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience. The floors are parquet and the lighting is LED. In each room you will find free WiFi Internet and a flat-screen television. The bathroom is complete with hairdryer and other amenities.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 964 2250 300 - Fax: +34 964 203 779
Email: info@hoteljaimei.com
HOTEL DOÑA LOLA
The Hotel Doña Lola was completely refurbished in 2008. It is located next to Ribalta Park, the green lung of the city, opposite the EL CORTE INGLES shopping centre, just 300 metres from the Castellón train and bus station and less than 1200m from the UJI, UNIVERSIDAD JAUME I DE CASTELLON. This excellent location makes it easy to get to all the city's points of interest, museums, shops, bars, cafés, the old town and monuments. Perfectly communicated with the public transport network of Castellón.
At the Hotel Doña Lola we offer you a restaurant overlooking the largest park in the city. Where you can taste the best of Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has special menus for events, varied menus with a Mediterranean base and a wide range of daily menus to make you feel at home.
The Hotel Doña Lola has 5 paneled rooms, fully equipped with the necessary services to celebrate your business meetings or banquets, with a capacity of up to 275 people.
The hotel also has cosy flats for long stays.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 964 214 011 - Fax: +34 964 252 235
Email: info@hoteldonalola.com - http://www.hoteldonalola.com/
HOTEL NH CASTELLÓN MINDORO
The NH Castellón Mindoro hotel was the first hotel to open in Castellón and is still one of the best, thanks to its recent renovation in 2015. It is just a 2-minute walk from the city's most popular attractions, such as the El Fadrí tower, the town hall and the cathedral. There are also numerous tapas bars and shops in the immediate vicinity. The beach is just a short bus ride away.
Modern, centrally located hotel close to Castellón's best tourist attractions.
Shops and restaurants within walking distance
Next to the bus stop leading to the beach.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 916 008 146 - Fax: +34 964 222 300
Email: nhmindoro@nh-hotels.com - https://nh-hoteles.es
EUROHOTEL CASTELLÓ ESTACIÓ 4*
Located right next to Castellón Train and Bus Station, Eurohotel Castellón offers a gym, sauna, 24-hour reception and bright rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is 400 metres from Ribalta Park.
The spacious, soundproofed rooms are decorated in light colours. They all have air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar with free bottled water, opaque windows and a modern bathroom with hairdryer.
Contact information:
Tel: +34 964 34 25 59
Email:reservas@eurohotelcastello.com - https://eurohotelcastello.com/
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