AlViGen project strengthens genomic surveillance of agricultural diseases in Alentejo

The final workshop highlighted three years of research dedicated to the early detection of pathogens in crops such as wheat and olive groves.

The project AlViGen has reached its final stretch, concluding three years of research focused on the genomic surveillance of agricultural diseases. The results now presented promise to strengthen the Alentejo agricultural sector's ability to respond to emerging phytosanitary threats.

On the day October 23rd, The final project workshop, The event brought together researchers, producers and technicians to share results and reflect on the future of genomic surveillance in Portuguese agriculture.

A pioneering genomic surveillance center

During AlViGen, the Alentejo's first genomic surveillance center, an infrastructure with capacity for early detection of diseases in strategic crops such as wheat and olive grove. This breakthrough marks a decisive step towards a more precise, sustainable and science-based agriculture.

Results and scientific contributions

Using innovative molecular tools, the project team succeeded:

• Identify pathogenic fungi before visible symptoms appear on the plants;
• Characterizing yellow rust strains, genetically linking them to others known at a global level;
• Detecting resistance genes in wheat to the strains currently present in Portugal;
• Developing diagnostic methods able to distinguish the different species of the fungus that causes gafa in olive groves.

During the workshop, the potential of the analysis of the airborne fungi community as a tool for early warning for multiple pathogens, allowing for more effective and preventive management of crop diseases.

From research to practical application

The event ended with a debate on how transform AlViGen results in a detection and warning service accessible to the agricultural sector. The initiative reflects the joint commitment between science, innovation and production, with a view to protecting national agriculture from the challenges of the future.

Partnerships and thanks

InnovPlantProtect would like to thank all the partners and funders of the project:
University of Évora, John Innes Centre, INIAV, De Prado, CERSUL, Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, Torre das Figueiras Estate, Almojanda, Malheiro Estate, Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), la Caixa“ Foundation”, BPI Bank e Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Image credits: InnovPlantProtect - Inês Ferreira