Project: Innovative sustainable solutions for broomrapes: prevention and integrated pest management approaches to overcome parasitism in Mediterranean cropping systems
| Acronym | ZeroParasitic |
| Duration | 10/04/2020 - 09/04/2023 |
| Project Topic | ZeroParasitic aims to deliver innovative sustainable solutions to overcome broomrape plant parasitism in key Mediterranean cropping systems. Genetic and molecular approaches will be used at three critical levels to gain new insights on potential regulatory targets of the infection: the broomrapes per se, the host plants and their interaction (host-parasite). Research will target two important Med crops, industrial tomato and faba beans. Surveillance tools utilizing remote and satellite images will be employed for monitoring and large-scale parasitism documentation. Innovation tools will consist of molecular approaches for screening and identification of tolerant/resistant hosts and hormone host-parasite interactions. Deciphering the molecular basis for resistance utilizing pattern recognition receptors and other defense-triggering molecules aiming to support breeding of resistant host plants. Solutions will be integrated in an integrated pest management (IPM) context targeting several innovations such as prevention, biological/non-chemical approaches, and other IPM strategies. Solutions will be socioeconomically evaluated, implemented and disseminated in a participatory way. Solutions will be highly accessible via an innovative web platform designed to satisfy requirements of a wide range of end-users. ZeroParasitic main goal is to integrate innovative solutions into realistic framework through a trans-disciplinary, multi-actor effort targeting one of the most critical disease/weed (broomrapes) in Med countries that poses a significant threat to key cropping systems. ZeroParasitic aims to better understanding of ecology, physiology and parasite-plant interactions. To achieve the above, the project will be based on the following operational functions: a) a multi-actor approach; b) a transnational approach: Involving 10 partners from 8 Med countries; c) a local, regional, national, EU and global identity: Dealing with issues of broomrapes and adoption of innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly management into modern commercial farming systems will offer global added-value of the project; d) a trans-disciplinary approach: Experts in agriculture, biology, chemistry, genetics, plant protection, ecology, environmental protection, social and economics |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | PRIMA |
| Call | Section 2 Call 2018 - Multi-topic |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BENAKI PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL INSTITUTE | Coordinator | Greece |
| 2 | Alexandria University | Partner | Egypt |
| 3 | University of Tubingen | Partner | Germany |
| 4 | Agricultural University of Athens | Partner | Greece |
| 5 | AGROLAND SA | Partner | Greece |
| 6 | National Centre forAgricultural Research and Extension | Partner | Jordan |
| 7 | EPSILON SA | Partner | Malta |
| 8 | Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II | Partner | Morocco |
| 9 | Center for Edaphology Applied Biology Segura | Partner | Spain |
| 10 | National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia | Partner | Tunisia |