The scientific paper “Comparative analysis of cultivated and wild olive genotypes to salinity and drought stress” was published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science (Q1, IF: 4.1) and funded by the INOMED-2I project (09-207/1-23), which is supported by the NextGenerationEU fund of the European Union.

The Mediterranean region is characterized by low rainfall, high solar radiation and high temperatures, which makes the vegetation in this area more sensitive to drought and climate change. Modern olive cultivation systems, characterized by dense planting in high-density orchards, irrigation and the use of soluble fertilizers, are gradually replacing traditional methods. This limits the number of varieties suitable for modern cultivation and overlooks the diversity of local cultivars, threatening the loss of genetic diversity. Research into wild olives has identified agronomically advantageous characteristics that are relatively less pronounced in their cultivated relatives. Wild olives are adaptable to different environmental conditions, can regenerate excellently after fire or frost and have a shorter juvenile period. Despite the adaptation of all plant organs to the naturally difficult conditions of the Mediterranean region, abiotic stress factors are still a limiting factor for vegetative growth and yield.

In this study conducted within project “Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding” (K.01.1.1.01.0005), we hypothesized that wild olives from the Adriatic coast have a greater resistance to drought stress and increased salinity compared to cultivars currently cultivated in olive groves.

The results of the study were achieved through the following measures:

Evaluation of the growth and development of each olive genotype by measuring morphological parameters such as shoot length, leaf area, and dry weight.
Determination of ion relations in the leaf and root by evaluating the content of Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions.
Analysis of water and oxidative stress by evaluating lipid peroxidation, proline concentration and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX).

By utilizing the natural genetic diversity of the olive, biotechnological advances in science will be the key to developing stress-resistant cultivars that ensure productivity and sustainability in olive cultivation and meet climatic challenges.

Scientific paper is available at the link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1423761/full

The review article “Satellite Solutions for Precision Viticulture: Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency in Vineyard Management” 🍇🚀, published in the journal Agronomy (Q1, IF = 3.5, Agriculture field), is funded by the INOMED-2I project (09-207/1-23), supported by the European Union fund NextGenerationEU.

In light of climate challenges, soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and serious health threats caused by the intensive use of agrochemicals, this paper focuses on innovative satellite solutions as a sustainable and efficient approach to vineyard management. These efforts are further supported by EU regulatory initiatives, including the EU Action Plan for 2050 “A Healthy Planet for All” and the European Green Deal, and aligned with the United Nations’ international sustainability goals, aiming ultimately for a toxin-free environment.
The paper provides a detailed examination of the evolutionary advancements in satellite technologies and the (pre)processing improvements in the spatial and spectral resolution of satellite images. Satellite technologies enable precise vineyard monitoring, offering insights into spatiotemporal variability, soil moisture, and the vigor and health of grapevines. Special attention is given to the integration of satellite data with on-ground data, which allows for the generation of accurate maps for targeted and variable input applications.
The paper also explores the effectiveness of different vegetative indices in evaluating spatiotemporal variations in health, water content, chlorophyll levels, and the overall vitality of grapevines. Challenges in the use of satellite data in viticulture are considered, including heterogeneous pixels and the need for rigorous data validation, opening up new possibilities for more precise and efficient applications.
The study helps optimize water use, monitor vine health, and reduce the use of agrochemicals, while ensuring high-quality grapes and reducing the ecological footprint of viticultural practices.
The work by Mucalo et al., 2024, is available at https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/8/1862.

Today the random generator stopped at the number 24, behind which … is hidden…

Ph.D. Branimir Urlić

Branimir Urlić is a senior research associate at the Institute of Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation. His main field of research is plant nutrition, but he is also interested in agroecology and vegetable cultivation. He acquired his knowledge and experience in agroecology and vegetable growing through trainings in Germany and the USA. Through his work, he has been involved in several national and international projects that focus on analyzing the gene pool of wild species in agricultural production and intensive vegetable production.

Despite his commitment to his scientific career, he also finds satisfaction in agriculture as a hobby. Actively is involved in numerous civil society activities.

Despite all these engagements, Branimir finds the greatest satisfaction in traveling and enjoying nature with his family.

On the project INOMED-2I (09-207/1-23) funded by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU fund and the Croatian Science Foundation project IP-2018-01-9622 “Pathogenic potential of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 and its interaction with grapevine hosts”, a scientific paper on the impact of grapevine viral infections on the indigenous variety ‘Tribidrag’ has been published in the journal Horticulturae (IF = 3.1, Q1 Horticulture).

The paper describes a series of changes in physiological and morphological parameters of the ‘Tribidrag’ variety, as well as modulations in gene expression due to the influence of different viral inocula previously identified as most prevalent in indigenous varieties of the Mediterranean part of Croatia. The paper is available in open access at the following link: horticulturae-10-00495-1

Since there is a risk that knowledge about the use of edible wild plants will be permanently lost, we have carried out a study to record the local tradition of the Dalmatian Zagora. This is the first detailed survey of edible wild plant species in this area. Funded through the European Regional Development Fund by theOperational program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014–2020 within the project CEKOM 3LJ—Centre of Competence 3LJ KK.01.2.2.03.0017 and resulted in a scientific paper published in the journal Plants (IF = 4.5, Q1 Plant science), which was supported by the European Union fund “NextGenerationEU” through the project INOMED-2I; 09-207/1-23. In the study, 180 inhabitants were examined and 136 species of edible wild plants and 22 types of edible mushrooms used in the area were recorded.

Figure. Workshop on wild edible plants in Dalmatian hinterland, organized by local women association (Foto: T. Ninčević Runjić)

This research is the first step in the implementation of the final goals of the CEKOM3LJ project – increasing the use and commercialization of wild medicinal and aromatic plant populations in the food and pharmaceutical industry in Split-Dalmatia County.

The work is available as open access at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/8/1079

The first meeting of the project team took place.

On January 23, 2024, the first meeting of the project team was held in the Institute’s library. At the meeting, the objectives of the project were presented and a plan for the implementation of the project activities was developed.