PNNR | SPOKE 1 coordinated by CNR | Plant and animal genetic resources and adaptation to climate changes
TASK 1.2.4 | Mechanisms underlying plant-microbial interactions beneficial for tolerance
Profiling plant-microbial associations and modulating these interactions by biostimulant treatments to enhance the ability of plants to cope with environmental stressors
Activity Coordinator (Research Unit | UNIPD | DAFNAE) Piergiorgio Stevanato
Aim:
Profiling plant-microbial associations and modulating these interactions by biostimulant treatments to enhance the ability of plants to cope with environmental stressors Maintaining a healthy environment, while increasing plant yield and quality, is one of the key aspects of sustainable agriculture. The application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can undermine soil quality and the invertebrate population. Therefore, the scientific community is studying the role and specific effects of organic plant biostimulants as a gradual and promising replacement for chemical products. This project aims to explore the effects of biostimulant treatments on sugar beet and tomato such as the model crops. For this purpose, we will compare the microbiome profiles of plants cultivated in hydroponics conditions. Then, we will exploit the effect of foliar application on plants grown in the open field. We will investigate (i) the consequences of biostimulant application on the composition of plant endophytic communities, (ii) the expression level of key genes related to hormonal and signaling metabolism, (iii) and its impact on yield traits of the model crops.
Partners:
CNR, UNIBO, CREA, FEM, UNIMI, UNIBA, UNITUS, UNINA, UNIPD, SSSA.
TASK 1.2.4 | Mechanisms underlying plant-microbial interactions beneficial for tolerance
Profiling plant-microbial associations and modulating these interactions by biostimulant treatments to enhance the ability of plants to cope with environmental stressors
Activity Coordinator (Research Unit | UNIPD | DAFNAE) Piergiorgio Stevanato
Aim:
Profiling plant-microbial associations and modulating these interactions by biostimulant treatments to enhance the ability of plants to cope with environmental stressors Maintaining a healthy environment, while increasing plant yield and quality, is one of the key aspects of sustainable agriculture. The application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers can undermine soil quality and the invertebrate population. Therefore, the scientific community is studying the role and specific effects of organic plant biostimulants as a gradual and promising replacement for chemical products. This project aims to explore the effects of biostimulant treatments on sugar beet and tomato such as the model crops. For this purpose, we will compare the microbiome profiles of plants cultivated in hydroponics conditions. Then, we will exploit the effect of foliar application on plants grown in the open field. We will investigate (i) the consequences of biostimulant application on the composition of plant endophytic communities, (ii) the expression level of key genes related to hormonal and signaling metabolism, (iii) and its impact on yield traits of the model crops.
Partners:
CNR, UNIBO, CREA, FEM, UNIMI, UNIBA, UNITUS, UNINA, UNIPD, SSSA.
SUNRISE project
An integrated approach to combine Soil biodiversity preservation, sUstaiNable agricultural pRoduction, and photovoltaIc efficiency in a climate change ScEnario
Activity Coordinator (Research Unit | UNIPD | DAFNAE) Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project was funded by Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca - PRIN 2022.
Summary:
Soils are one of the main reservoirs of biodiversity because they host the life-cycle of more than 40% of living organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, but soil biodiversity remains significantly undervalued. Soil plays a central role in achieving sustainable development and in the European Green Deal it is indirectly relevant for achieving climate neutrality in 2050, preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. The recent increase in global energy demand, as one of the key drivers of climate change,has led to the development of renewable energy sources, but also to the competition on land use, particularly between agriculture and PhotoVoltaic (PV) system. Because of this potential conflict, the new European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 promotes the development of economic models able to combine private and social-ecological interests to stimulate economic growth and, simultaneously, support ecosystem services, encouraging combinations of energy production systems compatible with biodiversity conservation (European Commission, 2020). In this framework, the development of Agro-PhotoVoltaic (APV) system can be an efficient way of combining PV energy production and food production on the same land area. Unfortunately, information and data on the effects of APV systems on soil biodiversity is dramatically lacking and should be implemented. Considering this baseline, the main object of this project is to evaluate and quantify the impact of APV system on: i) soil biodiversity, ii) soil features and water dynamic, iii) ecosystem services. SUNRISE project focuses on soil biodiversity considered in a broad and comprehensive way because it assesses both organisms that are extremely important for the nutrient cycles, such as fungi and bacteria, and organisms that play key roles in maintaining soil functioning, such as arthropods and earthworms. Beside the analysis of the relationship between APV and soil biodiversity, the project will evaluate the economic value of the soil ecosystem services affected by the APV from the perspective of the landowner and society. SUNRISE experimental design considers different shading conditions due to the surface of the solar panels on two particularly important crops (tomato and wheat). Field data on the effects of different shading levels of APV systems on soil biodiversity and soil water dynamics in relation to crop development will be obtained. The adopted methodologies will combine traditional techniques with state-of-the-art analysis methods, by applying modern and rigorous approaches. Thanks to the heterogeneity of the team, SUNRISE project stands out for a strong interdisciplinarity that guarantees its scientific quality and broad approach. The team has a strong female component that is identified not only in the PI but also in female researchers. This ensures gender equality and allows for a more balanced approach at each stage of the project, including maximum attention to social aspects.
Partners:
Project Coordinator: Cristina Menta
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità
Ambientale - SCVSA
Research unit coordinator: Aldo Dal Prà
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Bioeconomia Via Caproni 8, 50145 Firenze
An integrated approach to combine Soil biodiversity preservation, sUstaiNable agricultural pRoduction, and photovoltaIc efficiency in a climate change ScEnario
Activity Coordinator (Research Unit | UNIPD | DAFNAE) Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project was funded by Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca - PRIN 2022.
Summary:
Soils are one of the main reservoirs of biodiversity because they host the life-cycle of more than 40% of living organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, but soil biodiversity remains significantly undervalued. Soil plays a central role in achieving sustainable development and in the European Green Deal it is indirectly relevant for achieving climate neutrality in 2050, preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. The recent increase in global energy demand, as one of the key drivers of climate change,has led to the development of renewable energy sources, but also to the competition on land use, particularly between agriculture and PhotoVoltaic (PV) system. Because of this potential conflict, the new European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 promotes the development of economic models able to combine private and social-ecological interests to stimulate economic growth and, simultaneously, support ecosystem services, encouraging combinations of energy production systems compatible with biodiversity conservation (European Commission, 2020). In this framework, the development of Agro-PhotoVoltaic (APV) system can be an efficient way of combining PV energy production and food production on the same land area. Unfortunately, information and data on the effects of APV systems on soil biodiversity is dramatically lacking and should be implemented. Considering this baseline, the main object of this project is to evaluate and quantify the impact of APV system on: i) soil biodiversity, ii) soil features and water dynamic, iii) ecosystem services. SUNRISE project focuses on soil biodiversity considered in a broad and comprehensive way because it assesses both organisms that are extremely important for the nutrient cycles, such as fungi and bacteria, and organisms that play key roles in maintaining soil functioning, such as arthropods and earthworms. Beside the analysis of the relationship between APV and soil biodiversity, the project will evaluate the economic value of the soil ecosystem services affected by the APV from the perspective of the landowner and society. SUNRISE experimental design considers different shading conditions due to the surface of the solar panels on two particularly important crops (tomato and wheat). Field data on the effects of different shading levels of APV systems on soil biodiversity and soil water dynamics in relation to crop development will be obtained. The adopted methodologies will combine traditional techniques with state-of-the-art analysis methods, by applying modern and rigorous approaches. Thanks to the heterogeneity of the team, SUNRISE project stands out for a strong interdisciplinarity that guarantees its scientific quality and broad approach. The team has a strong female component that is identified not only in the PI but also in female researchers. This ensures gender equality and allows for a more balanced approach at each stage of the project, including maximum attention to social aspects.
Partners:
Project Coordinator: Cristina Menta
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità
Ambientale - SCVSA
Research unit coordinator: Aldo Dal Prà
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Istituto per la Bioeconomia Via Caproni 8, 50145 Firenze
BETBIO project
Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic sugar beet production (BETBIO)
Activity Coordinator: Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project on “Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic sugar beet production (BETBIO) submitted for funding under the framework of the PSR 2014–2020 was selected by the Executive Committee in October 2019.
Summary:
The overall objective of the project is to develop innovative biocontrol strategies with high environmental sustainability for sugar beet in organic farming, obtaining as a result of rationalizing water resources, plant protection pesticides, enhancing ecosystem services with an environmental advantage but also economic through innovative tools of biological control that determine the exploitation of useful biodiversity, with the use of innovative biological, microbiological formulations against pest and diseases, the use of cover crops with benefits on biodiversity and on water saving. The results of the project could be used both for beet growers who already adhere to the organic farming regime and for those who intend to convert, but also for integrated agriculture, providing suitable technical tools to obtain productions in satisfactory quantity and quality. Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic and sugar beet production
Partners:
Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment (DAFNAE) – University of Padova
CO.PRO.B. - Cooperativa Produttori Bieticoli Soc Coop. Agricola
Impresa Agricola Terre Emerse di Meneghini Elisa
Azienda Agricola Le Barbarighe
Società Agricola Canal dei Cuori S.R.L
Società Agricola Salvagnini S.S. – Società Semplice
Spazio verde S.R.L.
Impresa Verde Verona SRL
Consorzio Agrario del Nord Est Soc. Coop.
Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic sugar beet production (BETBIO)
Activity Coordinator: Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project on “Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic sugar beet production (BETBIO) submitted for funding under the framework of the PSR 2014–2020 was selected by the Executive Committee in October 2019.
Summary:
The overall objective of the project is to develop innovative biocontrol strategies with high environmental sustainability for sugar beet in organic farming, obtaining as a result of rationalizing water resources, plant protection pesticides, enhancing ecosystem services with an environmental advantage but also economic through innovative tools of biological control that determine the exploitation of useful biodiversity, with the use of innovative biological, microbiological formulations against pest and diseases, the use of cover crops with benefits on biodiversity and on water saving. The results of the project could be used both for beet growers who already adhere to the organic farming regime and for those who intend to convert, but also for integrated agriculture, providing suitable technical tools to obtain productions in satisfactory quantity and quality. Implementation and validation of innovative plant protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of organic and sugar beet production
Partners:
Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment (DAFNAE) – University of Padova
CO.PRO.B. - Cooperativa Produttori Bieticoli Soc Coop. Agricola
Impresa Agricola Terre Emerse di Meneghini Elisa
Azienda Agricola Le Barbarighe
Società Agricola Canal dei Cuori S.R.L
Società Agricola Salvagnini S.S. – Società Semplice
Spazio verde S.R.L.
Impresa Verde Verona SRL
Consorzio Agrario del Nord Est Soc. Coop.
BETANET project
Improving a cooperation network between actors involved in conservation and utilization of Beta genetic resources
Activity Coordinator: Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project on “Improving a cooperation network between actors involved in conservation and utilization of Beta genetic resources (BETANET)”, re-submitted by the Beta Working Group for funding under the Fifth Call of the ECPGR Activity Grant Scheme, was selected by the Executive Committee in October 2017.
Summary:
Wild species of the genus Beta and Patellifolia have been and still are being used for genetic improvement of the cultivated beets. There is an impressive number of scientific papers, reviews and books on the specific value of species and their populations as well as on the geographic distribution patterns of genetic diversity which the applicants can provide on request.
The ultimate goal is to discuss and decide on an in situ management work plan of the Working Group (WG) on Beta, to reinforce links between the ECPGR WG and the World Beta Network (WBN) and to establish new links with nature conservation agencies through the EU funded project Farmer’s Pride.
Partners:
Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment (DAFNAE) – University of Padova, Italy
Institute of Plant Breeding and Phytogenetic Resources – Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DEMETER, Greece
Institute for Breeding Research on Agricultural Crops – Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Germany
University of Madeira, Portugal
University of Warwick, United Kingdom
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Ireland
Institute of field and vegetable crops Serbia
Improving a cooperation network between actors involved in conservation and utilization of Beta genetic resources
Activity Coordinator: Piergiorgio Stevanato
The project on “Improving a cooperation network between actors involved in conservation and utilization of Beta genetic resources (BETANET)”, re-submitted by the Beta Working Group for funding under the Fifth Call of the ECPGR Activity Grant Scheme, was selected by the Executive Committee in October 2017.
Summary:
Wild species of the genus Beta and Patellifolia have been and still are being used for genetic improvement of the cultivated beets. There is an impressive number of scientific papers, reviews and books on the specific value of species and their populations as well as on the geographic distribution patterns of genetic diversity which the applicants can provide on request.
The ultimate goal is to discuss and decide on an in situ management work plan of the Working Group (WG) on Beta, to reinforce links between the ECPGR WG and the World Beta Network (WBN) and to establish new links with nature conservation agencies through the EU funded project Farmer’s Pride.
Partners:
Department of Agronomy Food Natural Resources Animals Environment (DAFNAE) – University of Padova, Italy
Institute of Plant Breeding and Phytogenetic Resources – Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DEMETER, Greece
Institute for Breeding Research on Agricultural Crops – Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Germany
University of Madeira, Portugal
University of Warwick, United Kingdom
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Ireland
Institute of field and vegetable crops Serbia