MICROVEC — Microbiomes for Vector Control
Hemipteran insects transmit some of the most damaging plant diseases worldwide, caused by phytopathogenic bacteria and viruses. For decades, control has relied heavily on systemic insecticides methods that harm beneficial insects, destabilize agroecosystems, and are increasingly restricted or banned in Europe. The consequence is clear: we need effective, ecologically sustainable alternatives.
What is MICROVEC?
MICROVEC is a new research network exploring how the microbiomes of hemipteran insect vectors can be leveraged to reduce plant pathogen transmission, as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Proof-of-concept studies already show that vector-associated bacteria can interfere with transmission. Yet the field remains fragmented, and interactions between plant pathogens and vector microbiomes are still poorly understood in hemipteran systems.
MICROVEC aims to connect communities that too rarely work together -- plant–microbe and insect–microbe interactions, vector and plant biology, phytopathology, virology, and computational biology, among others -- to promote the development of sustainable solutions for hemipteran-vectored plant diseases.
Webinars and mailing list
In addition to the symposium, MICROVEC is organizing a series of webinars throughout 2025 and 2026 (approximately one every two months). Webinar information, resources, and replay videos are available on our MICROVEC website.
All announcements, links, and updates are also distributed through our MICROVEC mailing list. We strongly encourage you to join.
The MICROVEC symposium
We designed this meeting as an active exchange between scientists from different disciplines. The event is a one-and-a-half-day symposium supported by INRAE’s HOLOFLUX metaprogramme. It will feature three international invited speakers, alongside 16 selected talks based on participants’ abstract submissions. The symposium will conclude with a flexible round-table discussion aimed at producing concrete takeaways: research priorities, methodological bottlenecks, and clear next steps.
To maximize interaction, we will schedule extended coffee breaks dedicated to networking. Participants are welcome to bring posters, which can be presented during the three coffee breaks. We will provide all coffee breaks, both lunches, and a private dinner at the emblematic Gazette Café in Montpellier.
Participation is free of charge, but places are limited to 60 attendees, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keynote speakers
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anna MICHALIK (Kraków, Poland)
Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biology — Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research
Department of Developmental Biology and Morphology of Invertebrates
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Dr. Patricia SANCHES (Zürich, Switzerland)
Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zürich — Department of Environmental Systems Science
Biocommunication Research Group — LFO G 22
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Prof. Dr. Elena CROTTI (Milan, Italy)
University of Milan — Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
Agricultural, Food and Environmental Microbiology Disciplinary Group
Important deadlines
Registration and abstract submission
Please note that registration and abstract submission must be completed separately.
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