ABOUT US
ZeroParasitic is a three-year project, aiming to deliver innovative sustainable solutions to overcome broomrape plant parasitism in key Mediterranean cropping systems. Genetic and molecular approaches will be used at three critical levels to gain new insights on potential regulatory targets of the infection: the broomrapes per se, the host plants and their interaction (host-parasite). Research will target two of the most important crops in the Mediterranean. i.e. industrial tomato and faba beans. Surveillance tools utilizing remote and satellite images will be employed for monitoring parasitism and for large-scale documentation. Innovation tools will consist of molecular approaches for screening and identification of tolerant/resistant hosts and hormone host-parasite interactions. Deciphering the molecular basis for resistance utilizing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and other defense-triggering molecules aiming to support breeding of resistant host plants. Solutions will be integrated in an integrated pest management (IPM) context targeting several innovations such as prevention, biological/non-chemical approaches, and other IPM strategies. Agronomic practices will be scientifically supported by a validated model for prediction of parasitism emergenceacross various Mediterranean locations and farming systems. Solutions will be socioeconomically evaluated, implemented and disseminated in a participatory way. The dissemination of the Project outputs will be based on a systems-thinking approach and the solutions that will be proposed will be highly accessible via an innovative web platform designed to satisfy requirements of a wide range of end-users.