PROJECT - Objectives
The main aim of this project is to study the fungal community inhabiting olive fruits and its effects on the mediation of plant defense/resistance to olive fly and anthracnose.
Specific objectives are:
- study both endo- and epiphytic fungal communities associated to olive fruit
- identify whether olive cultivar, crop management (organic vs IPM), and fruit maturity, contribute to their shaping
- clarify whether fruit fungi may play role in mediating plant defense/resistance to olive fly/anthracnose
- identify fungal strains that improve plant resistance to olive fly/anthracnose - Microbial Bioprotectants to Pest (MBP) and to Disease (MBD), respectively;
- elucidate the mechanisms by which they promote plant defense to olive fly/anthracnose