Engineering Research Centers

Engineering Research Center on Plant Health in Sugarcane (CEPENFITO)
Goal: To develop basic and applied research on integrated management of sugarcane pests and diseases
Coordinator: Odair Aparecido Fernandes
Host Institution: School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV-UNESP)
Business Partner: São Martinho Group 

https://cepenfito.org.br
+55 16 3209-7603
cepenfito.fcav@unesp.br

FAPESP Process 2014/50279-4
Term: Aug 2021 to Jul 2026

Cepenfito is a center for advanced research in integrated management of sugarcane pests and diseases. It focuses on scientific, technological and innovative development for agribusiness, via excellence, interdisciplinarity and integration with the formation of intellectual capital and technological extension, in a transparent, ethical, and committed manner.

The center is headquartered at FCAV-UNESP in Jaboticabal, and receives funding through an agreement between FAPESP and São Martinho S/A, one of the largest sugar-energy groups in Brazil. It is an inter-institutional center that partners with researchers from nine research and extension institutions: São Paulo State University (UNESP Jaboticabal, Botucatu and Sorocaba); Agronomic Institute – Sugarcane Center (IAC); Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar); University of São Paulo (USP); University of Franca (UNIFRAN); University of Sorocaba (UNISO); and Dr. Francis Maeda School of Agronomy (FAFRAM). UNESP’s foundation for research, teaching and extension is a partner in administrative management. It currently has 36 researchers.

It also disseminates scientific knowledge through educational materials, continuing education courses for teachers, and activities for basic education and the lay public in general, including news, podcasts, and technical and informative videos in the media.

Another goal is to exchange technology with the sugarcane sector, based on professional training and field days; demonstrate technologies, services, processes and products; exchange knowledge with students, researchers, professionals and farmers; and train development multipliers in plant protection and integrated pest management. Outreach programs will be supported through the Agroindustrial Cooperative (COPLANA).

RESEARCH AREAS

1. Biology and mass rearing of insects
2. Production and formulation of entomopathogens
3. Pest management tactics
4. Phytopathogens

BV-FAPESP:
https://bv.fapesp.br/en/auxilios/105749