INSECTFRASS follows a multidisciplinary approach to reach the following objectives:
Identify
Identify and characterize different IFs produced by different insect species fed with different diets and their microbiome or microbial communities that induce direct and indirect plant resistance/tolerance to aboveground arthropod pests, the latter via enhanced attraction of natural enemies.
Understand
Understand the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying the plant-mediated effects of frass/microbial communities on host plant defence to biotic stressors.
Evaluate
Evaluate the potential of IF as soil amendment with plant protection capabilities.
