Beneficial Microorganisms in Agriculture: Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Field is an intensive, in‑person training course focused on the applied use of beneficial microorganisms as bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture. The course addresses current challenges in soil degradation and excessive agrochemical use by promoting biologically based alternatives that enhance soil health, crop productivity, and environmental resilience.
The course will be delivered over five consecutive days in Tucumán, Argentina, at the facilities of the Pilot Plant for Microbiological Industrial Processes (PROIMI‑CONICET) and the National University of Tucumán. It is coordinated by Dr. Julián Rafael Dib and organized within the framework of the UNU Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNU‑BIOLAC), with contributions from international, regional, and local experts.
The main objective of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, select, characterize, and apply beneficial microorganisms as plant growth promoters and biological control agents. The course aims to strengthen participants’ capacity to evaluate microbial bioinoculants from laboratory characterization to field application.
Key topics include soil microbiology and nutrient cycling, plant–microbe interactions, the plant holobiont concept, isolation and biochemical characterization of beneficial microorganisms, mechanisms of plant growth promotion, biological control of plant pathogens, greenhouse and field evaluation of bioinoculants, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals.
The course combines lectures, hands‑on laboratory sessions, greenhouse experiments, and field visits to ongoing crop trials. Morning sessions focus on theoretical foundations, while afternoons are dedicated to practical work. The final day includes integrative discussions, analysis of selected scientific papers, and a final evaluation. Instruction is provided in English and Spanish.
The training is designed for advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, early‑career researchers, and established researchers in life sciences, including biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, and agriculture, particularly from Latin America and the Caribbean.
By the end of the course, participants will have gained practical experience in laboratory and field techniques for microbial biotechnology, a deeper understanding of plant–microbe interactions in agricultural systems, and the ability to critically evaluate and implement bioinoculant strategies for sustainable crop production. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities with experts and peers working in agricultural biotechnology.
Application procedure
Applications will be received via this form.
Applicants will be asked to submit a CV and a motivation letter.
Last day to apply: May 25th
Contact email: lab.bio.citrus@gmail.com
