Food security, crop protection, biodiversity, and human and environmental health are among the main needs and concerns of modern society. Biotechnology and life sciences represent constantly evolving areas that are key for the rational use of natu- ral resources. These resources are indispensable for the development of society. This book presents memoirs of the IV International Biotechnology and Biodiversity Congress held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 2018, as extent works and reviews on the trend of agricultural and forestry biotechnology, molecules and materials biodiscov- ery, ethnomedicine, environmental impact, and bioindustry research. Many of these topics are described from the Latin American perspective and show how the biodi- versity and ancient knowledge of its countries are key for worldwide sustainable development. This book aims to present the latest scientific research on topics such as food security, crop protection, biodiversity, bioindustry, and human and environ- mental health solutions.

This book departs from traditional biotechnology or a congress proceeding book. It is the first that integrates the knowledge gained from analyses of the works pre- sented at the Congress, by having expert present their ideas as to the trend involved. Latin America has unique importance for the world. Most Latin American countries are rich in biodiversity that encompasses huge genetic resources and invaluable knowledge for the future welfare of society. The book allows this unique knowledge to be available to a broader audience. Since most of Latin America’s scientific research stays hidden from the global scientific community because of linguistic barriers and shortage of funds, this book permits this knowledge to be disseminated and known. The book also provides insights into the scientific bases of traditional knowledge recovered from Latin America’s ancient cultures. Ancient knowledge had guided us into discovering promising new materials and drugs and will continue to do so. Finally, this compilation incorporates the shared vision between industry needs and academia, closing the link between the main actors in countries’ development.

Biotechnology is a valuable tool for the study of various plant processes in the twenty-first century. It is expected that biotechnology, in combination with other disciplines such as physiology and biochemistry, provides extraordinary solutions in classical plants genetic improvement programs. The integration of all these disci- plines will make it possible to develop genotypes with better development and growth and tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses derived from the already visible scenery of climate change. In addition, thanks to biotechnology, we can expand the products obtained from plant species, increasing the economic and sus- tainable opportunities in the era of bioeconomy.

Thanks to all the chapter authors of this book for generously sharing the results of their research. Thanks also to ESPOL University, Biotechnological Research Centre of Ecuador (CIBE), the scientific committee of the IV International Congress of Biotechnology and Biodiversity, and to BIOALI-CYTED (P117RT0522) for cre- ating the framework so that the authors of this book could work together in the area of biotechnology to provide solutions that ultimately result in economic and, of course, social benefits.

Paloma Moncaleán, PhD
Coordinator of BIOALI-CYTED NET (117RT0522)