Mrs. MARIA CABRAL | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. MARIA CABRAL, Capes, United States

Maria J.S. Cabral is a distinguished researcher specializing in agronomy and pest management, with extensive experience in the field of crop protection. She is currently affiliated with the Department of Agronomy at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Brazil, and also works at the Center for Biological Control, Florida A&M University (FAMU), USA. Her work primarily focuses on the sustainable management of insect pests, particularly in sweet potato crops, combining research on pest control strategies and agricultural production in Brazil and the United States.

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Strengths for the Award

Maria J. S. Cabral’s recent publication, “Major Insect Pests of Sweet Potatoes in Brazil and the United States, with Information on Crop Production and Regulatory Pest Management,” exemplifies her substantial contributions to agricultural entomology and pest management. The study highlights significant pest challenges affecting sweet potato production, which is crucial for food security in both Brazil and the United States. Her research showcases a multidisciplinary approach, integrating crop production, pest biology, and regulatory policies. The article’s insights into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies underscore her commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, making her work valuable not only to scientists but also to farmers and policymakers. Furthermore, her role in a collaborative effort, as indicated by her co-authorship with other notable researchers, demonstrates her ability to work effectively in diverse teams, a quality essential for impactful research in today’s interconnected world.

Areas for Improvement

While Cabral’s research is robust, there are areas for potential improvement. One significant aspect is the need for more comprehensive field studies that assess the practical implementation of her proposed IPM strategies in varying agricultural settings. This could involve direct collaboration with smallholder farmers to tailor solutions that meet their unique challenges. Additionally, expanding her research to include the socio-economic impacts of pest management strategies would provide a more holistic understanding of the agricultural landscape. Further interdisciplinary collaboration with social scientists could enhance her work by integrating perspectives on farmer behavior and economic viability, leading to more effective pest management solutions.

Education 🎓

Maria J.S. Cabral holds advanced degrees in agronomy from renowned institutions. She pursued her research in Brazil, where she earned her degrees from UFVJM. Her academic journey has been dedicated to understanding and mitigating the effects of insect pests on key crops like sweet potatoes, providing a solid foundation for her contributions to both academic and applied agricultural science.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Maria’s professional experience spans multiple roles in academia and research institutions in Brazil and the United States. She has worked on various pest control projects, particularly focusing on sweet potato production. Her collaborations with FAMU have led to significant contributions to regulatory pest management and crop production strategies. She regularly participates in international research initiatives, contributing to pest control solutions that impact food security and agricultural sustainability.

Research Interest 🔬

Maria’s primary research interests lie in integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work on insect pests that affect sweet potatoes is critical for enhancing crop yield and quality, especially in Brazil and the United States. She also explores non-pesticide approaches for pest control, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to support farmers and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Awards 🏆

Maria J.S. Cabral has been recognized for her outstanding research contributions to agronomy and pest management. She has received numerous accolades for her work in developing innovative pest control strategies and has been invited to speak at various international conferences.

Publication Top Notes 📝

Maria J. S. Cabral’s contributions to the field of entomology through her research on sweet potato pests have far-reaching implications for food security and sustainable agriculture. Her strengths lie in her multidisciplinary approach and her commitment to advancing pest management strategies that can benefit farmers in both Brazil and the United States. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, such as expanding field studies and incorporating socio-economic factors, Cabral can further enhance the impact of her research. Therefore, she is a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, as her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also contributes to practical solutions for real-world agricultural challenges.