Promotion of sustainability and competitiveness in organic plant and livestock production by means of novel technologies and inputs

Research is directed towards studying of: growing technologies of hard wheat and Spelt, soybeans, tomatoes, apples as well as sheep variety cigaja and also evaluation of inputs (varieties, breeds, seed, fertilizers, biological pesticides, animal feed). Research will include: a comparative analysis of biodiversity between the conventional and organic production methods; phytochemical study of biocide substances; application of medicinal and aromatic plants as sources of alternative preservatives, and synthetic pesticides; soil organisms: (protozoa, cyanobacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects and molluscs) in the function of homeodynamics maintenance; the resistance of apple genotypes to pathogenes and pests; applying biopesticides and sanitary measures in the production of organic apples; the conditions for sheep breed cigaja growing, its genetic potential and inputs for the production of quality lamb meat and milk.The research will result in: defining the optimal technology for growing hard wheat and Spelt, soybean and tomato in an organic system; review and understanding of biodiversity and the relevant data on soil organisms; application of plants’ secondary metabolites as both repellents and natural way of fighting weed plants; formulation and implementation of natural, food supplements based on herbs and essential oils indicated for the treatment of chickens infected by Eimeria spp.