Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| 4.06.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
|
| 4.02.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Animal production |
|
Researchers (17)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
The research programme was designed multidisciplinary and inter departmentally. This approach helps to interconnect and build up different fields of research to a better understanding and solving problems connected to the agrobiodiversity. Research is important in a wider sense due to the extreme biodiversity of the Slovenian environment, specific habitats and connection to the European space. With the work within Plant gene bank we have not only provided for preservation of Slovene genetic resources. The goal and mission of the programme is to collect, evaluate, map, conserve and multiply Slovene autochthonous genetic resources and their wild relatives. Within the research part of the programme we have evaluated and studied autochthonous varieties, old varieties and wild relatives of species important for agriculture that are stored in the central gene bank. An appropriate response to external stimuli at the cellular level is of fundamental importance to the continuing existence of plants, particularly in the case of stress from adverse environmental conditions. Plants have therefore developed both physiological and biochemical mechanisms that enable their survival which, although extensively studied, are far from completely understood. The biochemical and genetic investigations are necessary for basic understanding of elements of the mechanisms of plant resistance. Correlation of the responses to stress of species and cultivars with different sensitivities at the whole organism and gene expression levels provide a more detailed understanding of the cellular mechanisms of resistance. Research in this direction is fundamental for a deeper understanding of plant growth and development. The research on plant pests, pathogenes, beneficial organisms and invasive alien plant species is relevant for the knowledge of biodiversity in Slovenia and Europe. Development of modern methods for species identification of harmful organisms enabled us to be more accurate in diagnostics. Maintaining collections of organisms, specimens, strains etc., surveying biodiversity, exact identifications of organisms, specifically pathogens are basic requirements for biological sciences. Results of biodiversity studies and analyses of taxa and their characters or pathogenicity factors etc. allows us to understand consequences of climatic changes, disease etiologies and resistance processes and present highly relevant long-term values for science; they are indispensable for future programmes on food safety, health, natural conservation and the development of sustainable systems. The results are notable for the development of our research field and new scientific findings. Effect of genotype on quality of meat was studied using novel approaches, such as proteomic analysis and statistical analysis of correlation between genetic effects. The biggest significance for the development of science in the wider sense is in the realization of aims that the research group has proposed, building of and knowledge dissemination, and linking all that in the sustainable development of our environment.
Significance for the country
The aim of the research programme was to solve complex questions in the field of agrobiodiversity by applying interdisciplinary and complex approach. This resulted in basic knowledge for further cooperation in the field of sustainable socio-economic development of Slovenia. Research in biodiversity contributed to new knowledge for preservation of genetic resources of agricultural crops and to preservation of Slovenian cultural heritage. Knowledge on biodiversity of autochthonous plant varieties, animal breeds and transboundary dissemination of the knowledge contributed to strengthening of national identity. Research programme prepared basis for Slovene food producers to survive the severe international competiveness. The programme makes use of advantages of Slovene natural conditions by analysing them and establishing their comparative advantages and disadvantages with the purpose to make Slovene agriculture competitive and recognizable in the united EU market. In the Developmental Strategy of Slovene Agriculture and other related developmental documents direction towards stable food production and insurance of nutritional safety are given. In the National Program for Environmental Protection and in the National Strategic Plan for the Development of the Countryside for 2007-2013 the programs for environmental friendly agricultural practices and preservation of Slovene national rural environment are defined. Actions for reducing the use of phytopharmaceutical agents and mineral nutrients are defined. Only durable and long-term plant breeding programmes will enable development of new varieties of agricultural crops that will easily respond to changes in the environment (e.g. frequent drought), will be resistant against major pathogens and pests and will reduce the use of phytopharmaceutical substances. This will enable crop producers in assuring yield of high quality that will be competitive on the market. Varieties, bred from Slovene autochthonous genetic resources, old varieties, populations and traditional species of agricultural crops will contribute to preservation of biotic diversity and with this to preservation of Slovene national countryside. Researchers have in this past period released four new varieties of potatoes and one variety of hops. The results of research in the field of plant protection are significant for the practice. The results are notable for development and selection of appropriate plant production technologies and development of better (sustainable) strategies against plant pests and pathogens. Results have also an indirect impact on the national policy making bodies as recommendations for measures required to be taken to prevent the spread and control of harmful organisms. Results will help evaluating risks of settlement of alien harmful organisms due to climate changes which represent a big challenge for the economy and society in the future. Results of scientific research in the field of quality of agricultural products are used in execution of recognized animal breeding programs and in making legally prescribed procedure for assessment of fleshiness (method has to be incompliance with the EU legislation). With this the results contribute to development of Slovene professional knowledge and to development of agriculture as economic branch. Efficiency of scientific research and expert work reflects also in collaboration of researchers in the pedagogical work at universities.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
