CerealMed International Conference - CerealMed International Conference - Genomics and Bioinformatics

The University of Bari Aldo Moro, CREA-Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA-GB and CREA-CI) and University of Bologna are organizing an International conference for all researchers and operators in the cereal sector with the aim of disseminating the scientific results obtained in the CerealMed international project.

The event is patronised by SIGA – Società Italiana di Genetica Agraria, and ODAF – Bari, Ordine dei Dottori Agronomi e dei Dottori Forestali of Bari.

CerealMed "Enhancing diversity in Mediterranean cereal farming systems" is a PRIMA international project which involves eleven Mediterranean institutions, Italy, Egypt, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Lebanon and Turkey, with the aim of the enhancement of the biodiversity in cereals and legumes, and the resilience to stress, with sustainable agronomic techniques. A large collection of wheats, including ancient and modern varieties, was evaluated to identify genes for the improvement of nutritional quality, disease resistance and adaptation to climate change. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as intercropping with legumes, have been used to improve production stability by avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and to obtain healthier food products. The results of the project will be able to give added value to farmers and companies in the seed sector, thanks to the rediscovery and cultivation of precious germplasm of wheat, lentils and chickpeas, selected for their adaptation to the climatic context.