GO OP-BIOTECH: New biotechnological tools in olive and pistachio cultivation to deal with abiotic stress situations caused by drought or water deficit

Type Grupo operativo
Status In progress
Execution 2024 -2027
Scope Supraautonómico
Autonomous community Andalucía
Main source of financing PEPAC 2023-2027
Project website GO OP-Biotech

Abstract

The project follows a logical and coherent sequence with precise deadlines and specific tasks for each participant, as shown in the detailed timeline. The objectives and activities are linked in a sequential manner, forming a necessary process for developing and applying biotechnological treatments in agriculture. Each step is essential to advance to the next and achieve the desired results in terms of improved production and plant resistance to adverse conditions.

The project begins with the creation of an innovative biotechnological treatment to address water stress in olive and pistachio trees. Once the treatment has been identified and developed, sufficient availability is ensured for field testing and to validate its effectiveness in real conditions. To make the treatment practical in the agricultural environment, it is formulated in specific products, such as AquaBac products, easily applicable in the field, guaranteeing its viability and effectiveness in real situations.

Once AquaBac products are ready and applied in the field, it becomes crucial to measure their real impact on crop production and quality, justifying the investment made in their development and production.

With the demonstrated success in this objective, progress is being made towards preparing for larger-scale production, which involves defining efficient processes and procedures to ensure the continuous availability of the developed products.

Finally, the importance of long-term evaluation is recognized to ensure that positive results endure and improve over time. Furthermore, continuous innovation is sought to address changing climate challenges, underlining the need to identify and define new biotechnological solutions. This sequential and coherent approach results in a comprehensive process that culminates in the successful implementation of biotechnological treatments in agriculture.

Description

Production of a consortium of bacteria active in water stress. Design and production of two AquaBac products: foliar and soil application, for trials. Evaluation of olive grove production and quality after one year of biotreatments of the project.

Evaluation of fruit production and quality, including percentages of open fruit, sizes, colour and absence of fungal stains, after one year of bioproducts. Definition of production procedures and processes. Pre-industrial scale production.

Evaluation of olive grove production and quality after three years of biotreatments.

Definition of new biotechnological solutions for adverse weather conditions. Evaluation of fruit production and quality, including percentages of open fruit, sizes, colour and absence of fungal stains, after one year of bioproducts.

Analysis of data obtained over three years. Decision-making to address current and future climate challenges, with experience in biotechnological microorganisms.

Description of activities

Design and formulation of a range of biotechnological products to address water stress situations: drought, water deficit.
Application of new biotechnological agronomic treatments designed within the framework of this project in dryland and deficit-irrigated olive groves and study of the effect caused in them after one year of said application.
Application of new biotechnological agronomic treatments and study of the effects, in their different forms of application, using RPA'S and conventional techniques.
Pilot scaling process at pre-industrial level.
Re-application of biotreatments in different olive grove plots and study of the effect caused in them after two and three years of the first application and evaluation of the results obtained in all the studies carried out during the project.
Re-application of biotreatments in different pistachio plantations and study of the effect on the physiological and productive response after two and three years of the first application.

Contextual description

The project addresses the challenge of water stress in olive and pistachio crops by developing an innovative biotechnological treatment to mitigate the effects of drought and water deficit. Water scarcity can have devastating impacts, threatening the sustainability and profitability of farmers.

Pistachio and olive cultivation under rainfed conditions presents agronomic challenges that must be effectively addressed. These crops, prized for their high-quality fruits and essential oils, are vulnerable to fluctuations in water availability, highlighting the importance of proper water management. Water scarcity can be due to climate variability, periodic droughts, and competition with other sectors. Farmers face the dilemma of maintaining crop productivity and quality while effectively managing water. Water management and optimization strategies, such as efficient irrigation systems and the selection of resistant varieties, are critical.

This project proposes to go further by using microorganisms that act on plant metabolism, promoting greater nutrient absorption and tolerance to abiotic stress. Green Universe, a participant in this project, has various bacteria whose genome and functions in interaction with plants are known. The central strategy of the project involves applying advanced biotechnological tools to develop a treatment that strengthens the resistance of olive and pistachio trees to water stress. This approach is proposed as a sustainable and effective alternative to face climate challenges.

The project is a challenge for all participants, encompassing several critical stages. Initially, a highly effective bacterial consortium in improving plant resistance to water stress is identified and selected. Once identified, the treatment is developed, formulating it for foliar and soil applications, maximizing its efficacy. Proof of concept is carried out in field trials, seeking to ensure that the treatment is viable and effective under real-life conditions. Evaluation of crop yield and quality after application is crucial, supporting investment in treatment development.

Objectives

The project aims to develop new biotechnological tools for olive and pistachio crops, addressing abiotic stress caused by drought and water deficit, among others. Abiotic stress negatively affects the productivity and survival of these crops. Dominant factors include drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, soil acidity, intense light, anaerobiosis and lack of nutrients. The project takes an innovative approach to improve the resilience and sustainability of these crops using advanced biotechnology.

Results

Selection and production of the necessary quantities of a consortium of bacteria with activity in situations of water stress and
Final design of 3 formulated products (AquaBac Line). Production of the quantities needed for the continuation of trials.
Differentiation of olive harvest production and quality after one year of applying new biotreatments designed within the framework of this project.
Differentiation of fruit production and quality, obtaining data on percentages of open fruit, increase in size, colour and absence of fungal stains, after one year of applying the new biotechnological products.
Definition of production procedures and processes. Pre-industrial scale production.
Differentiation of olive harvest production and quality after three years of biotreatments developed in the project, and definition of new biotechnological solutions to deal with current adverse weather conditions.
Differentiation of fruit production and quality, obtaining data and results on percentages of open fruit and increase in size, as well as their colour and absence of fungal stains, after one year of applying the new biotechnological products developed.
Analysis of data obtained during the three years of implementation of the project course.

Contact information

Coordinator name: CITOLIVA FOUNDATION
Postal address: C/SIERRA MORENA, EDIF CTSA, GEOLIT PARK, MENGIBAR (JAEN). CP: 23620
Coordinator email: CCAPISCO@CITOLIVA.ES
Telephone: 953221130

Coordinators