Búsqueda de Redes de Ecología Química para el desarrollo de semioquímicos aplicables al Manejo Integrado de Plagas en México

Abstract

Innovation drives enterprises and even economic sectors to improve their competitivity in the global market, thus contributing to national development. The strategy of forming Scientific and Technological Knowledge Networks can promote innovation. Chemical Ecology is a scientific discipline with the potential for technological development. Biological organisms produce chemicals substances called Semiochemicals. They constitute natural systems of chemical communication among organisms at both intra and interspecific level. They mediate behavioral and physiological processes, and allow the manipulation of chemical interactions among biological organisms, and are considered as an alternative tool for Integrated Pest Management. The search for research groups that may integrate Networks of Knowledge in Chemical Ecology, allow identification and characterization of these groups and their work. Data come from publications, and from a questionnaire sent via email to a sample of research scientists. The groups with more advances in technological stages of production of semiochemicals, for use in Integrated Pest Management are: COLPOS, ECOSUR, INECOL, IPN and UNAM. Network nodes were found: COLPOS, ECOSUR and INECOL. They set apart from the rest for having operated under the Nonlinear Mode of Knowledge Generation, at least in terms of insect pheromones. If these nodes get to overcome technological barriers and strengthen their networks, Regional Knowledge Areas could be formed in some places: Estado de Mexico, Chiapas and Veracruz. But favorable conditions for investment in innovative semiochemical products should be promoted.