Use of beneficial fungi and microbial consortia to enhance the defense barriers of tomato plants against biotic (pests and pathogens) and abiotic (reduced water) stress agents

This project aims at developing and implementing environmental friendly methods for the management of tomato key pests and pathogens, limiting the use of chemicals and improving integrated control techniques. The research consortium aims at translating the obtained scientific results in new sustainable tomato cropping strategies. A significant increase of the cropping system suitability is expected through the reduction of chemical and water inputs, and the intensification of the role of natural resources, such as arthropod natural enemies, microbials and vegetal extracts. The visibility of the project will rely on a specific communication and dissemination plan, which will be implemented for the whole project duration. Special attention will be paid to the dissemination of the scientific and technological achievement of the project through web site, publications in technical and high impact journals, and meetings with stakeholders.