Sergio López

Research associate

IQAC

Department

Biological Chemistry

Research group

Chemical ecology of pest insects

Contact

Email

sergio.lopez@iqac.csic.es

Extension

437664

Profiles

ORCID

0000-0002-8641-1622

Sergio López

Research associate

PhD in Biology (University of the Basque Country, 2010). The fundamental question of my research is what insects “smell” and how they use chemical signals to interact with their environment. Specifically, I have focused on the chemical ecology of pest insects, especially those of agricultural and forestry interest, with the aim of identifying relevant semiochemicals involved in intraspecific and interspecific communication, as well as their potential application in integrated pest management programs.

The project combines biological control, next-generation biopesticides, and semiochemical technologies to strengthen the resilience of cropping systems. The integration of these innovations will enable up to a 50% reduction in pesticide use and ensure safer, more sustainable, and economically viable agricultural production.
The DEEPPEST project develops a faster and more economical way to find naturally occurring chemical compounds to control insect pests, without having to resort to conventional pesticides, by combining artificial intelligence and computational chemistry with insect biology. The approach is tested on the Moroccan locust as a proof of concept that could subsequently be applied to other invasive species.
This project aims to transfer new guidelines for appropriate stone pine management, including the use of semiochemicals for the management of Leptoglossus occidentalis.