The FitoNet Operational Group launches the development of a social network on plant genetic biodiversity

More boost to rural areas

• The GO FitoNet Operational Group was created to improve the supply of genetic varieties and promote the use of crop biodiversity
• Its purpose is to provide information and resources to promote the use of a greater genetic variety that enhances the quality of plant products.

06/19/2023 . “ Biodiversity ” is not an empty concept nor does it refer only to the world of animals and the landscape. Biodiversity, furthermore, is essential for the survival of crops and agriculture in general.

The limited plant varieties that current agricultural systems use lead to their vulnerability. When similar varieties of crops are used, the appearance of abiotic stresses, heat, drought and even pests affect enormous quantities of the product, since, since there is no genetic variety , everyone is affected and responds in the same way.

“If crops continue to be genetically uniform, a vulnerability may occur that will reduce their productivity, reduce their quality and contribute to the abandonment of agricultural and forest lands that are currently profitable,” says the FitoNet Operational Group (GO FitoNet ) .

This group was born in 2022 with the following objectives:

• Improve the offer of plant varieties for users
• Promote environmentally friendly practices
• Respond to the growing demand for differentiated plant products with greater nutritional and organoleptic quality.

Take advantage of biodiversity

From the beginning, GO FitoNet posed a strategic challenge to promote sustainable agricultural production based on the use of crop biodiversity . Thus, generating a variable genetic base and creating new varieties makes it possible to create resilient and productive crops that facilitate the survival of agricultural systems and, in addition, mitigate the effects of climate change.

But through what actions? Mainly, in two ways:

1. Creation of Living Labs and pilot projects :

The aim is to establish four pilot experiences that can highlight the importance of using biodiversity to generate crops with the desired characteristics of sustainability and profitability.

2. Development of a web and mobile application :

The idea is to create a social network of plant genetic resources , called “FitoNet” . It would be a network where researchers, farmers and agents in the agri-food sector exchange the use of plant genetic resources, communicating their knowledge to promote the creation of new crops.

The keys to crop decisions

With all the tools available to professionals in the sector in the different links of the chain, FitoNet aims to be that tool that unites knowledge. To do this, it will include information on the following aspects:

1. Data on local varieties, pre-breeding and breeding materials
2. Information about the description of the variety
3. Information on the degree of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
4. Information on the quality of products and production in certain environments
5. Information from the National Inventory of Plant Genetic Resources
6. Use of genetic resources

Within the framework of the research projects, conserved and sometimes documented plant pre-improvement materials have been developed, which will allow the genetic base to be expanded. But the social network offers an important service, since this data is not centralized or standardized , so it will facilitate the visibility of these difficult-to-access resources.

Members and funding

The Cellbitec Foundation promoted the creation and currently coordinates the GO. In addition, it has various partners: Higher Council for Scientific Research ( CSIC – PTI AGROFOR ), Bullsoft Solutions , Union of Small Farmers and Ranchers ( UPA ), Grupo Da Cunha , Obrador de Creative , AGROSA and Fundación Cajamar . BIOVEGEN – Technological Platform for Plant Technology, for its part, is in charge of dissemination and valorization tasks.

The FitoNet Operational Group has a budget of 594,138.18 euros, 80% co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and the remaining 20% by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the Directorate General of Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-Food Training (DGDRIFA).