Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2018
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| 4.06.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B006 |
Biomedical sciences |
Agronomics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
| 4.04 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agricultural biotechnology |
agrobiodiversity, genetics, omics, genetic markers, genetic mapping, abiotic and biotic stress, systems biology, entomopathogenic fungi, rhizosphere competence, parasitoids inventory, nematode control, virus variability, sustainable agriculture, long term experiments, species rich grasslands
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 26, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
363 |
7,172 |
6,525 |
17.98 |
| Scopus |
404 |
8,550 |
7,838 |
19.4 |
Researchers (31)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The proposed programme is the continuation of the research work that has been conducted in the frame of the 'Agrobiodiversity' programme. The program group is composed multidisciplinary with experienced scientists in the fields of plant genetics and breeding, plant physiology, plant/pathogen/vector interaction research and technologies of crop production. The research in plant genetics will be oriented to successful identification of functional and gene-related markers for agronomically and nutritionally important traits in selected crops using established molecular approaches and novel genetic tools and DNA markers (e.g. SNP, GBS, KASP, CAPS, RAD, DArt). In the case of common bean and potato, we will continue utilising genetic markers for either genetic mapping or as a support to the selection process in breeding. In order to better understand the mechanisms of plant response to abiotic (drought) and biotic (pest) stress at the physiological, biochemical and molecular level expression profiles of different stress induced genes, changes in abundance of proteins and changes in activity of stress-induced proteases in common been and potato will be studied. Systems biology approaches will be implemented for integration of our current basic research of plant responses to stress on different omics levels. In plant protection ecologically relevant strains of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), targeting specific niches that the selected pests occupy will be studied, and their pathogenicity to high impact pests, such as invasive Asian spotted wing drosophila, the billion dollar bug’ western corn rootworm tested. Further we will evaluate the rhizosphere competence of the newly discovered EPF isolates, as well as their ability to survive as endophytes. The second venue of biocontrol research will be the creating of parasitoids inventory of major agricultural pests such as aphids, Ostrinia nubilalis, Drosophila suzukii, Parthenolecanium corni and Dasineura oxycoccana. The nematology group aims to resolve the taxonomical uncertainties by genome analyses of several populations from Meloidogyne ethiopica group. We will evaluate the efficiency of environmentally friendly method using Bacillus firmus bacteria for Meloidogyne spp. control. In the field of virology virus (and viroid) variability will be studied as well as epidemiology of viruses and interactions between viruses in mixed infections, between viruses and vectors and viruses and their hosts. Research of sustainable technologies in Long-Term Experiments will enable us to detect possible slow changes produced by the cropping systems in the long run and reveal possible threats to the environment and to the future fertility of agricultural land. The objectives of research on species-rich grassland are to examine the nutritive value and yield potential of common types of grasses, legumes and non-leguminous forbs from species-rich grassland.
Significance for science
The programme is designed multidisciplinary. This approach helps us to interconnect and build up different fields of research to better understanding and solving problems connected to the agrobiodiversity. With the research on the biodiversity of agricultural crops, natural grasslands, plant pests, pathogens and beneficial organisms we will not only preserve Slovene genetic resources but also contribute to knowledge and preservation of the global biodiversity.
Implementation of already established molecular markers (AFLP, SSR, EST-SSR, Indel-SSR SCAR, SRAP, RGA) will be combined with newly developed and more specific DNA markers (SNP, GBS, KASP, CAPS, RAD, DArt), which will facilitate evaluation of the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in plant germplasm, and its relationship to related agronomically and nutritionally important traits. Development of stress correlated molecular markers and integration into current genetic maps through comparative genomics is the next step to targeted molecular breeding and germplasm management. We will continue with genetic mapping studies of common bean with the aim to create an improved common bean genetic map with the inclusion of gene-specific markers and continue with mapping of QTL’s. We will continue with basic studies of plant response to abiotic and biotic stress in common bean and potato, e.g. by analysing expression profiles of different drought induced genes, changes in protein abundance and activity of drought-induced or related proteins in different plant organs. This will improve our understanding of complex mechanisms of stress tolerance on organ and cellular level that enable survival of plants in harsh environmental conditions. In studies of potato – PVY interactions, we will continue with gene-expression studies of candidate genes identified in our previous study on microarrays. Implementation of systems biology approach will broaden our understanding by integrating physiological, biochemical, genomic and proteomic approaches and will provide deep insight into plant responses down to a level of metabolic pathways and single genes.
With the use of advanced technologies in plant protection, we will ensure a sustainable control of the plant pathogens by addressing detection, identification, prognosis and modelling in the light of climate change. Unambiguous identification of harmful organisms is the basis for determination of appropriate phytosanitary measures and damage control. Another approach is using EPF isolates with high virulence against targeted pests and rhizosphere competence by identifying and evaluating new microorganisms potentially capable of contributing to the enhanced physiological fitness of selected crops (brassicas, potatoes and maize) under herbivore-induced stress. An innovative remote sensing method for weed extent assessment and main weed species will be developed as well as the determination of abiotic and biotic stress in plants.
The proposed programme will help to improve the level of agricultural research, which depends on various factors in primary production and production technologies, which determine agrobiodiversity, sustainability and quality of agricultural products. It is, therefore, important to determine the effect of different management systems and specific soil and climate conditions on yield, nutritive value, mineral composition and isotopic signature of selected crops (wheat, oats, barley and maize). Genotypes with increased N use efficiency and those suitable that better stand multiple abiotic and biotic stress events will be identified. In long-term studies interactions of crops/cultivars, climate and production systems on yield components stability and soil properties are of extreme importance. Implementation of sustainability studies of different production systems under diverse climate-soil conditions is important for the creation of mitigation and adaption strategies to climate change.
Last but not least Issues reg
Significance for the country
The research programme is aimed at conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture and will facilitate preservation of Slovenian natural and cultural heritage. Implemented molecular marker based technologies will serve as a support to established breeding programmes for development of new varieties originated from desired germplasm and adapted to local agro-climatic conditions. The protection of crop genetic resources and lessening the dependence on chemical pesticides is an integral part of the European Union’s (EU) agenda for agriculture. The proposed program complies with Slovenian agricultural policy (Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020; Resolution on strategic guidelines for the Slovenian agriculture and food sectors; National action programme for the sustainable use of phytopharmaceutical substances), since it directly promotes agricultural practices beneficial for the preservation of natural resources, boosts creation of new 'green jobs ', as well as aims at achieving important goal of increasing knowledge and innovation transfer from producers of knowledge (institutes) to end-users (Slovenian farmers, policymakers).
The research programme will implement technology solutions addressing practical issues such as characterization of germplasm for genetic and nutritional determinants, facilitating breeding through QTL identification and marker assisted selection. Breeding of new varieties with improved resistance to various stress factors will contribute to the quality, crop production stability and will lower risk of crop production losses. Information on local varieties threatened by genetic erosion will guide growers and agricultural advisors in the selection of varieties, production planning and the development of products quality schemes and also inform consumers to support the selection of locally-grown food.
The development and introduction of low-risk plant protection methods will provide sustainable, safe and high-quality food production, improve the living standard of growers and have positive effects on Slovene economic growth. These methods will also contribute to reducing agricultural losses due to pests in a manner that presents the minimal risk to human and animal health and to the environment. Increased use of low-risk pest control methods will enhance consumer confidence in the quality and safety of food produced in Slovenia. The more sustainable way of farming will together with the advantage of relatively intact Slovene natural conditions enable our farmers to gain comparative advantages in producing high-quality healthy food to make Slovene agriculture competitive and recognisable in the EU market. To meet the increasing food demand and comply with stricter environmental demands, agriculture must increase food production and quality while decreasing its detrimental ecological impact and this is a major challenge. Additionally, the development of alternative control strategies of pests is urgently needed because of the phase-out of many ‘first-generation’ pesticides. The research approach aims to provide solutions for problems that conventional pest control faces, including insecticide resistance and inadequate pest control as well as environmental and human health concerns.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
