IMPLiCIT - Improving soil-plant-insect interactions to promote pollinators

PRIN 2022 Di Gioia

Abstract

The disruption of plant-pollinator interaction is of great agronomic concern. Another relevant problem is soil degradation, which affects the microbial population and its role in soil fertility and plant health. IMPLiCIT aims to verify whether soil fertility and quality, mediated by microorganisms, can directly impact plant-pollinator interactions by modifying plant volatile organic compounds, nectar and pollen composition and play a key role in the ecosystem functionality. Sunflower is used as a model plant. Several microbial strains will be tested in the field to define the most suitable combination capable of i) increasing soil functionality and biodiversity, ii) sustaining plant growth and iii) enhancing pollinator activity.

Dettagli del progetto

Responsabile scientifico: Diana Di Gioia

Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari

Coordinatore:
Libera Università di Bolzano(Italy)

Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 68.879,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 24
Data di inizio 05/10/2023
Data di fine: 28/02/2026

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