A pioneer in identifying the mite Aculus schlechtendali (Eriophyidae) in apple orchards in Vacaria, the Laboratory of Acarology (Labacari) of the University of Vale do Taquari - Univates was invited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) to conduct research similar to that of Vacaria in the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná.

 

According to the researcher Liana Johann, the invitation occurred because Labacari is a reference for the MAPA in the area of ​​acarology. "We have already given talks and training with rural producers and with Ministry officials. Now we will have the opportunity to expand the research and to know other regions. Our objective is to collect and bring material to the Laboratory, so that it becomes possible to discover species of associated mites or even new species”, she explains. In Santa Catarina, the activities are being carried out during this and the next week. For this, part of the structure of Labacari was taken to the field. In Paraná, two expeditions will be held, for one week each, in the months of March and April, as well as activities in the MAPA laboratories. Liana explains that the planning is that the field activities are performed in the morning shift, when the researchers will be in the orchards to collect data and materials, such as leaves. The afternoon shift will be destined to work in the laboratory, where those involved will perform the screening and analyze the material collected in the morning. "Our goal is to identify the species of mites present there", she says. Participating in the field activities are the postdoctoral fellow of the Postgraduate Program in Environment and Development (PPGAD) Darliane Evangelho Silva, the PhD student of PPGAD Maicon Toldi and the Master’s Degree student in Sustainable Environmental Systems (PPGSAS) Aline Marjana Pavan (photo above).

 

Postgraduation studies can be held in intensive regimen at Univates. The PPGAD and the PPGSAS offer the possibility to take courses in an intensive regimen, which facilitates the conciliation of professional activities and studies. In this way, students can attend intensive courses in the months of January and July and conduct their research in their city of origin and with distance orientation. The activities of the intensive regimen occur from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 12 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the months of January and July. More information about postgraduate programs can be obtained at www.univates.br/pos-graduacao.