SURF - Selection and development of genetic materials for the resistance to virus diseases of wheat

The project SURF aims to select and develop genetic materials of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) for the resistance to viruses, through the use of new experimental approaches and innovative scientific technologies. The first objective of the project is the identification of durum wheat genotypes resistant to the soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV) and the identification of resistance loci, using an approach of Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS). A panel of durum wheat genotypes already genotyped will be used. A further objective of the project is the development of durum wheat lines carrying an inactive form of a susceptibility gene for Bymovirus, through genome editing approaches. In particular, in barley the variant of a gene coding for a protein-disulfide-isomerase (PDIL5-1) causes an innate resistance to different strains of Bymovirus. The durum wheat ortholog gene of this PDIL5-1 will be used for genome editing. The resistance traits that will be identified in the project will be then available for durum wheat breeding programs.

SANINDOOR

The project is aimed at creating a demonstration prototype at the pre-industrialization level (TLR = 8) of an advanced system for the removal of contaminants present in indoor environments, such as VOC and particulates, and for the reduction of pathogens (such as bacteria, fungi and mold), in order to implement people’s well-being and reduce the possibility of contracting pathologies. The abatement will be carried out through the combination of a series of technologies that will be individually tested and optimized to make the environment healthy for man by reducing the VOC and particulate matter content, the bacterial load and the fungal proliferation. Since this effect is also extensible to the walls of the environment and to the surfaces of objects, the system can also contribute to limit the transmission of bacteria and fungi through food improving its conservation.

RICE CONNECTIONS - Connecting biologies on rice disease resistance, drought tolerance and flowering time

The overall objective of the “Rice connections” project is to better elucidate the connections between disease resistance, drought tolerance and flowering time and to study how does a first biological stimulus impact on a second subsequent biological stimulus.

The relationships between the three targeted biological pathways are explored using different approaches: agronomy, genetics, genomics, cell biology and yeast-two-hybrid technique.

The project will involve:

– phenotyping for disease resistance, drought tolerance and flowering time of several rice lines, including transgenic lines for some key genes

– identifying regulation nodes, i.e. genes which expression is synergistically regulated by two biological pathways, through gene expression studies (RNA-Seq analysis and qRT-PCR)

– establishing connection nodes between the targeted biological pathways, as identified by yeast-two-hybrid approach

The main output of the project will be the identification of connection hubs between the targeted biological pathways, which will represent the next generation of genes to be studied and used in future breeding programs.

Project IBBA-ISPRA

During the project, studies assessing variables related to soil functionality were selected with the aim of utilizing the reported data in the analysis and management of possible impacts of genetically modified crops. To perform the study selection, protocol for a critical appraisal of designed experiments, sampling, analysis methods and statistical analyses was prepared, and a systematic review, prerequisite for metanalysis of data reported in the studies, was carried out. The work allowed to obtain valuable data which can be used in the procedures of evaluation of environmental effects of genetically modified crops.

LIFE+ MAN-GMP-ITA. Validation of risk management tools for genetically modified plants in protected and sensitive areas in Italy

The LIFE+ Project MAN-GMP-ITA implemented a methodology used in the risks analysis arising from the release of genetically modified plants on agroecosystems and adjacent areas, particularly sensitive and protected areas. During the project relevant endpoints related to functional biodiversity of insects and soil communities, aimed at analysing and managing possible impacts of genetically modified crops, were selected. Moreover, experimental crops of corn and canola, simulating the potential impact of corn expressing the Cry toxin on non-target Lepidoptera and the potential for gene flow among Brassicacae and its ecological consequences, were monitored to set specific protection goals for sensitive and protected areas near genetically modified crops. A software including decision trees which have general value and can be used in other crop plants and areas combinations was developed. (http://www.man-gmp-ita.sinanet.isprambiente.it/documenti/output-finali/dss-decision-supporting-system).

RISINNOVA - Integrated genetic and genomic approaches for new Italian rice breeding strategies

The overall objective of the “RISINNOVA” project is to provide the Italian rice industry with genetic and genomic tools for the development of more competitive rice varieties, suitable for both domestic and international markets.

The project is structured in five research Workpackages (WP):

WP1. Genetic and genomic approaches to improve protection against the main rice diseases

WP2. Genetic and genomics strategies for protection of rice from major abiotic stresses (water

shortage, salt stress, thermal stress)

WP3. Genetic and functional diversity of rice-associated microbial communities

WP4. Genomic analysis systems applied to biodiversity

WP5. Dissemination, training and technology transfer

In the framework of WP2, the IBBA activity aims to identify genes that may represent important players in the tolerant response to osmotic stress. This is achieved through: i) the physiological evaluation of several japonica cultivars for their response to osmotic stress ii) the selection of two cultivars with a contrasting phenotype (sensitive vs tolerant) iii) an RNA-Seq analysis of the transcriptomic changes occurring in leaves and roots of these two cultivars in response to osmotic stress.