Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.00 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B390 |
Biomedical sciences |
Phytotechny, horticulture, crop protection, phytopathology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
carbohydrates, organic acids, phenols, auxins, chlorophyll, photosynthesis, diseases, resistance, stress, foliar nutrition, tree architecture, corn, breeding, fruit growing, viticulture, vegetable plant growing, phytomedicine, agricultural technic
Researchers (39)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The implementation of sustainable development in agriculture demands new knowledge on the growth and development of plants as the use of numerous "additives" is limited (fertilizers, pesticides, phyto-regulators ...). In order for us to produce health food, the knowledge on physiological processes of growth and development of a certain species or cultivar is necessary, as well as the use of appropriate technologies in certain pedo-climatic conditions. At Fruit Growing we will study natural development of fruit trees (tree architecture) of various species (walnut, apple, pear). The analyses will then form the basis for further investigations (research into primary and secondary metabolites, and the state of hormones in the trees). In apple we will study the impact of minerals on stress - photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, the synthesis of primary metabolites. Adding to this, we will evaluate the inner quality of fruits of various fruit tree species and find out how the quality varies with regard to different environmental conditions and technological measures applied. With the analysis of synthesized phenolic substances in leaves and fruits of apple we will look into the resistance mechanisms against apple scab and establish anti- oxidative potential of certain cultivars. In cherry the impact of rootstocks on vigour, bearing potential, and metabolism of minerals will be studied. Further, we will determine the role of auxins in the formation of roots of woody plant cuttings and the importance of auxins for the growth and development of walnut and apple when a certain growing method is used. At Viticulture we will perform research into enzymatic activities, resistance mechanisms against stress conditions, and the adaptation potential of vine with its sanitary status. Taking into consideration the limits in the grape production set by the "vine- land- technology" complex, we will try to put down the basis for the concept of terroir in viticulture in Slovenia. At Vegetable Plant Growing we will investigate the absorption and distribution of nutrients in the cycle "vegetable plant- soil- environment" where the highest attention will be paid to the quality of final products (anti-oxidizing substances). We will establish possibilities for the production of functional vegetable with the addition of selenium (bean, potato, corn salad). Additionally, we will try to cultivate selected vegetable plants in- season and out- of- season in control conditions. At Plant Protection we will research into the possibilities for combating fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) without using antibiotics. In the experiment we will use proheksadion-Ca and retardants. The efficiency of SAR (systemic induced resistance) induced with the agents prepared on Al-fosetil and acibenzolar-S-metil (Bion) will also be studied. We will try to evaluate their effectiveness, side effects they may cause, and the impact on the accumulation of anti- microbial substances (phenolic compounds). At Mechanization we will determine the force with which the fruit is fixed to the shoot, and may vary depending on the species, cultivar, rootstock, soil properties (soil type, fertilization, irrigation), growing method, phenophasis, and maturity. The mechanic properties of fruits will be determined in order to improve the harvesting method, transportation and storage. We will examine the resistance of the genetic material of corn (population and line) against the most important diseases (Fusarium spp., Exserohilum turcicum). This wil be carriedd out with artificial infection of corn in natural conditions. The resistant genotypes will be used in further breeding processes.
Significance for science
Program Horticulture contributed to new knowledge on metabolic pathways and regulatory elements in the phenylpropanoid pathway of horticultural plants, depending on primary metabolism, environmental impacts and interactions between plants and other organisms, and various technological processes. Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites remains one of the major unknowns in the production of horticultural crops. Our focus was therefore orientated to following study fields: - Identification of secondary metabolites from different phenolic classes and terpenoids as well as their importance for interactions between plants, pathogens and beneficial organisms. - The influence of environmental factors and technological processes on the accumulation of beneficial compounds in horticultural products. - Study of the impact of the synthesis of secondary metabolites and their composition on the physiological response of plants. - Phenylpropanoid pathway enzyme activity, its mechanisms and possibilities for its regulation. Research synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites in horticultural plants significantly contributed to the development of the disciplines and their related fields: The results of studies on biosynthesis of phenolic compounds contributed to the scientific research of different phenolic classes. Analysis and extraction methods were optimized for specific plant species and different tissues. In the field of plant research we have intensified the knowledge on secondary metabolites, which perform a number of physiological functions, such as protection against many stress factors. New findings provide the possibility of studying the synthesis of secondary metabolites in different species/cultivars in response to environmental and technological conditions and boost horticultural production. Knowledge of the accumulation of secondary metabolites enables cultivation of horticultural plants with optimum composition of bioactive compounds. With the studies of plant-environment interactions new possibilities and the use of biotic approaches in relation to protection of plants against pathogens was encouragement. Development of technological processes for plant cultivation, which can increase the synthesis of beneficial compounds and alter their profile, enables direct influence on tolerance/resistance of the plant to environmental factors and affect the quality of horticultural products.
Significance for the country
Agriculture is still a deficient industry in some areas. However, we have plentiful natural resources, knowledge and tradition to produce top quality food. Nevertheless, the problem of so-called carbon footprint or transport of food over long distances is particularly pronounced for some horticultural crops (eg. fruits, vegetables, table grapes) similarly as throughout the European Union. Work in the program Horticulture started soon after the resolution of the national research and development program 2006-2010 (ReNRRP) was adopted. With the interdisciplinary program group (scientist from the horticultural field, mechanization, plant protection and breeding) we have achieved better quality of our research globally comparable, competitive, innovative and coherent. In 2011 Slovenian Parliament adopted a resolution regarding the strategic direction of the development of Slovenian agriculture and food industry until 2020 - "Ensure the food for tomorrow." Horticultural products occupy a special place in this resolution as we are only self-sufficient in apple and grapevine production. Only 30% of the required quantities for vegetable consumption are produced in Slovenia, so these strategic guidelines provide possibilities for horticultural crop expansion. As intensive horticultural production in large areas has never been characteristic for Slovenia, because the structure of farms is relatively small and the environment still unpolluted top quality food can be produced with improved integrated and organic modern technologies. New knowledge that was gained mainly through studies of the impact of pathogens, beneficial organisms and other plants on secondary metabolism directly affected new or improved technological processes and increase production of horticultural crops. Indirectly, this affected the number of jobs in rural areas, better income in rural areas and populated rural landscape. All that contributed to a better social and cultural development of the Slovenian countryside. The acquired knowledge was incorporated into new technologies that reduce environmental pollution, enable the production of safe food, are characterized by low power consumption and sustainably oriented. Secondary metabolites in plants also affect the food and drink industry. They are important quality factors and can positively (the sensory characteristics of the wine) or negatively (astringency of fruit juice) affect the economic importance of horticultural plants and their products. Careful cultivar selection and optimization of processing procedures lead to high-quality products that can be sold at higher prices. Green technologies that are on the move will not change only the events in companies, but will affect horticulture as a whole. Indirectly, all of these events change the lifestyle and affect research in other areas such as health, well-being, etc. Already, we have included developments in the European area in our studies, but in the future we intend to upgrade the cooperation. Our research has enabled the emergence of some new technologies and new job opportunities contributing to the self-employment in rural areas and thus decisive contribution to the preservation of rural and cultural Slovenian landscape. Since our work also includes ornamental plants, research in this area could help create a pleasant living environment in Slovenia. The program horticulture has a significant indirect impact on society. Increasing knowledge on biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in horticultural plants contributes to the development of research in related disciplines. In the long term we can expect a major impact on people and the environment. Secondary metabolites in plants and their products have significant nutritional effects, and represent active ingredients of many folk medicines.
Audiovisual sources (2)
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Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
