ESOPO – Enhancing the organic supply chain of aromatic and medicinal plants to define biopesticides and biostimulants for organic tomato cultivation.
When adopting organic production methods, one of the main problems to be addressed is protecting plants from diseases and finding alternative, effective approaches to using agrochemicals. This project involves public and private partners working together to evaluate the use of natural extracts and essential oils as biopesticides and biostimulants in the organic cultivation of tomatoes (Solanum tuberosum). The effectiveness of natural plant extracts will be tested and selected for their direct effectiveness against certain pathogens and for plant biostimulation.
Specifically, the IPSP unit will assess the efficacy of the chosen organic extracts against the most prevalent tomato viruses and the phytoplasmosis known as Stolbur. The effectiveness of the treatments in containing the infection will be evaluated by analysing symptoms and quantifying the pathogen titre. The products’ effectiveness in eliciting plant resistance will be evaluated by analysing target gene expression.
Personnel:
Sabrina Palmano
Marina Ciuffo
Luciana Galetto
Cristina Marzachì
Concetta Mottura
Davide Turati
Principal investigator: Palmano Sabrina
Funder: MASAF
Start: Novembre 2024
End: Novembre 2027