The IVIA will promote projects on pests, postharvest, sweet potato cultivation, and diseases in horticultural crops.

The Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) will promote four knowledge generation projects from the State Research Agency over the next three years, aimed at strengthening scientific research and innovation in the agricultural sector. The projects focus on the integrated management of invasive species of the genus 'Scirtothrips' in citrus fruits, sustainable post-harvest treatments to preserve fresh fruit based on the use of waste and by-products generated by the agri-food industry, the induction of resistance against viruses in horticultural crops – based on water efficiency and consumer preferences. The DiverSWEEty project aims to boost the cultivation of sweet potatoes in the Mediterranean basin, as well as to reinforce the profitability and sustainability of the sector through innovative strategies that allow adaptation to water scarcity and improve competitiveness. The research focuses on genetic improvement to expand the varietal diversity adapted to the ...