The use of saline water for irrigation in greenhouses is a major problem causing abiotic stress to vegetable crops compromising production and leading to diminished incomes for the growers. The objective of this proposal is the development of biomolecules into biosensors in order to predict abiotic stress progress and use CO2 to enhance the response of plants to salinity stress. To this direction, genomics and metabolomics approaches will be used to identify molecules or cellular processes as early predictors of salinity stress progress.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology Partners: Center for Research, Technology and Development of Thessaly (KETEAΘ); Institute of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Processes of High Temperature – Institution of Technology and Research (ITE).
Duration: 2010-2012
Financed by: ESPA – Action at National Level – Cooperation (SYNERGASIA)
Budget: 700.0000 Euros
The SNP database of the Greek olive varieties will be used to develop a PCR-RFLP approach in order to fingerprint Greek olive oils. Restriction sites comprising SNPs were employed to digest PCR products amplified by genomic DNA extracted from various monovarietal Greek olive oils. The same genomic DNA templates will also be SNP-genotyped using a SnapShot approach. The objective is the development of simple, reliable diagnostic tests to identify the varietal origin of olive oil samples.
Coordinator: Technical University of Crete
Partners: MAICh, University of Crete, ATEI-Heraklion, Institute of Olive and Subtropical Crops,
Duration: 2009-2011
Financed by: European Economic Area
Budget: 74.500 Euros
Coordinator: Mediterranean Agronomic Institute at Bari (IAMB)
Duration: 2009-2012
Financed by: European Union
Budget: 285.260 Euros
A SNPs database was constructed from 45 Greek olive varieties and used for the development of SNP-based methodologies to identify the varietal origin of commercial Greek olive varieties. The stability of DNA was assessed in olive oil samples and the length of genomic DNA fragments as templates was determined for molecular marker analysis. The ideal marker system was determined to be the SNPs and the SnapShot technique was used for the genotyping of Greek olive varieties.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Partners: ANATOLI SA, Crete
Duration: 2006-2009
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, Greece
Budget: 380.000 Euros
The objective of this project was the development of a simple and reliable PCR-based methodology to detect the presence of sesame taking advantage of the highly polymorphic chloroplastic region of trnL. To this direction, the polymorphism of this region was determined in silico among 12 different plant species including sesame. Universal primers were designed and used to amplify this polymorphic trnL region. The PCR products were analyzed using various capillary electrophoresis platforms such as Lab on a Chip and the ABI 310 Genetic analyzer.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Partners: Food Allergens Laboratory S.A., Crete
Duration: 2006-2008
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, Greece
Budget: 23.460 Euros
Previously identified SNPs were used for the genotyping of 20 selected olive varieties from Albania and Slovenia, creating the first SNP database of Albanian and Slovenian cultivars. The genotyping data of additional ten Greek cultivars were used for a better assessment of genetic diversity. The cluster analysis revealed the existence of two large clusters comprising cultivars from all the three countries, indicating movement of olive germplasm among the Balkan countries and no sign of geographic isolation. Various combinations of the SNPs can discriminate several of these cultivars, providing a tool for their certification and the preservation of germplasm collections in these countries.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Partners: Biological Research Institute – Albania
University of Ljubljana – Slovenia
Duration: 2008
Financed by: European Union, SEE – ERA. NET Pilot Joint Call
Budget: 20.000 Euros
The objective of this project is the preparation of the laboratory with new equipment and technical advice for the acquisition of the accreditation according to EN17025 for the detection of Genetically Modified Organisms in tomato, wheat and their products.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Duration: 2005-2009
Financed by: EU/ GR COMPETITIVE Ministry of Development
Budget: 152.000 Euros
The EU strategy to prevent the process of genetic erosion and the losses of biodiversity, including aprobiodiversity, is centered to applied approaches which facilitate the conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity. One of the negative repercussions of the intensive production methods introduced during the so called “green revolution” of the 60s is the irreversible losses of local varieties which had been adapted for centuries to local environments by developing genetic resistance and tolerance to adverse conditions. The project aims to collect, to evaluate in terms of the agronomical, genetic (biochemical, biotechnological) and market point of view, to conserve, ex situ, and to promote the utilization of the appropriate genetic material by local farmers, in situ, in order to introduce products of specific origin.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Partners: Technological Educational Institute of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Cyprus
Duration: 2005-2008
Financed by: European Funds for Regional Development, INTERREG III C-South
Budget: 791.640 Euros
A laboratory network was established in the field of agricultural biotechnology at the national level aimed to detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agricultural products and foodstuffs. The molecular biology techniques used are PCR-based. Methodologies were established for the qualitative detection of GMOs in soya beans, maize, cotton, tomato and wheat as well as their products.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology
Partners: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki- Laboratory of Biotechnology for Aromatic Plants; AGROLAB (Private Laboratory of Soil Sciences and Leaf Analysis, Thessaloniki); URIMAC (Pasta Production Company, Kilkis); CRETAN MILLS, Souda, Chania
Duration: 1999 – 2006
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, Business Projects for Research and Technology (EPET II), Sub-project 3
Budget: 440.000 Euros
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Partners: Laboratory of Pathology-Anatomy, Hospital Amalia Fleming, Athens, Institute of Cotton and Industrial Plants, Sindos,
Duration: 2000 – 2001
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, PENED
Budget: 150.000 Euros
The project seeks to offer a new range of ornamental species better adapted to arid or saline conditions for the professional industry (garden centers, urban gardening and landscaping, xeriscape, hydrosowing, wide areas round cities and civil works). A number of native plant species from 4 Mediterranean countries will be examined in terms of propagation, growing techniques for nursery conditions and adapting capacities to low water availability and supply and soil and water salinity. Studies on the morphological phenological and agronomical characteristics of selected species under various growing conditions, the determination of climatic requirements for growth and development, tachniques for building the appropriate plant structure, and the definition of the commercial status according to the market standard will also take place. Finally an experimental network will be organised.
Coordinator: Dr. D. Gerasopoulos, Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Partners: Agricultural Research Center of Macedonia and Thrace, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece, Direcacao Regional de Agricultura do Algarve, Portugal, Istituto di Agronomia Generale e Coltivazioni Erbacee, Italy, Escola Superior d’Agricoltura de Barcelona, Spain, Instituto Valenciano de Investicaciones Agrarias Apartado Oficial, Spain, Centro de Edafologia y Biologia Aplicada del Secura, Spain, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries, Spain, Centro de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agrarias, Spain.
Duration: 1995-1999
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 815.000 ECU
Considering the increasing crisis in the agricultural sector and the high demand for new alternatives it is a necessity to investigate the post-harvest-related problems for each particular under-utilized and/or subtropical landrace fruit and vegetable crops. Genetic variation in landraces, primitive cultivars and wild forms are examined on variation in the sensitivity to post-harvest handling and also on differences in quality characteristics such as flavor, texture, aroma and self-life. The various horticultural species are divided, based on whether the local cultivars are used on a relatively large scale or are under-utilized although they have a great significance in localized situations. The participants of the network will provide information on local plant species which are used as edible vegetables for long periods of time.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Year: 1998
Financed by: European Union, DG I.
Budget: 30.000.000 Drachmas
The project covers the full range of production of horticultural products grown in greenhouses (Genetic material, plant protection, energy sources, quality production). The opportunity of cooperation from different countries and specialities is given through this project on the analysis of the environmental conditions the quality and the cost of production of agricultural products. Special attention is given to the following: Control of greenhouse environmental conditions with the development of sensitive electronic system for the data logging and processing. Analysis of the crop requirements for mineral nutrition by the use of modern techniques and data processing. Calculation of energy demands of several crops for the reduction of production cost and the application of alternative sources of energy. Finally, the creation of an intelligent system manager with a data bank which includes environmental cost, quality and production aspects of greenhouse production.
Coordinator: University of Athens
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology HRI, University of Ciuda, Kardinal University, Institute of Biosystematics, Bosh-Adeco.
Duration: 1994-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 1.300.500 ECU
Development and evaluation of new Rubus spp hybrids suitable for the cultivation in a greenhouse in mild winter climates. The production of hybrids takes place at the East Malling Research Station, G. Britain, in cooperation with the departments of Biotechnology of the University of Ancona and genetics of the Swedish Agricultural University. The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania has undertaken the establishment of 2000m2 of greenhouse where the rubus plants will planted. The adaptation of the plants to the climatic conditions of the area and the production of out of season fruit will be studied. Additionally, the effects of the soil and cultural techniques on the yield and quality of the new hybrids with special emphasis on the regulation of winter production. The programme is expected to provide a dynamic cultivation for the region with new high yield and quality cultivars. The harvesting will take place during the winter time, leading to high prices and high income for the growers.
Coordinator: University of Ancona
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology, MAICH, Horticultural Research Institute, Unversity of Potenza, CMRP, Agricultural University
Duration: 1993-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI Budget: 1.953.751 ECU
The project seeks to offer a new range of ornamental species better adapted to arid or saline conditions for the professional industry (garden centers, urban gardening and landscaping, xeriscape, hydrosowing, wide areas round cities and civil works). A number of native plant species from 4 Mediterranean countries will be examined in terms of propagation, growing techniques for nursery conditions and adapting capacities to low water availability and supply and soil and water salinity. Studies on the morphological phenological and agronomical characteristics of selected species under various growing conditions, the determination of climatic requirements for growth and development, tachniques for building the appropriate plant structure, and the definition of the commercial status according to the market standard will also take place. Finally an experimental network will be organised.
Coordinator: Dr. D. Gerasopoulos, Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Cooperating: Agricultural Research Center of Macedonia and Thrace, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece, Direcacao Regional de Agricultura do Algarve, Portugal, Istituto di Agronomia Generale e Coltivazioni Erbacee, Italy, Escola Superior d’Agricoltura de Barcelona, Spain, Instituto Valenciano de Investicaciones Agrarias Apartado Oficial, Spain, Centro de Edafologia y Biologia Aplicada del Secura, Spain, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentaries, Spain, Centro de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agrarias, Spain.
Duration: 1995-1999
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 815.000 ECU
Considering the increasing crisis in the agricultural sector and the high demand for new alternatives it is a necessity to investigate the post-harvest-related problems for each particular under-utilized and/or subtropical landrace fruit and vegetable crops. Genetic variation in landraces, primitive cultivars and wild forms are examined on variation in the sensitivity to post-harvest handling and also on differences in quality characteristics such as flavor, texture, aroma and self-life. The various horticultural species are divided, based on whether the local cultivars are used on a relatively large scale or are under-utilized although they have a great significance in very localized situations. The participants of the network provide information on plant species that are used as edible vegetables.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Year: 1998
Financed by: European Union, DG I.
Budget: 30.000.000
The project covers the full range of production of horticultural products grown in greenhouses (Genetic material, plant protection, energy sources, quality production). The opportunity of cooperation from different countries and specialities is given through this project on the analysis of the environmental conditions the quality and the cost of production of agricultural products.
Special attention is given to the following: Control of greenhouse environmental conditions with the development of sensitive electronic system for the data logging and processing. Analysis of the crop requirements for mineral nutrition by the use of modern techniques and data processing. Calculation of energy demands of several crops for the reduction of production cost and the application of alternative sources of energy. Finally the creation of an intelligent system manager with a data bank including environmental cost, quality and production aspects of greenhouse production.
Coordinator: University of Athens
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology HRI, University of Ciuda, Kardinal University, Institute of Biosystematics, Bosh-Adeco.
Duration: 1994-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 1.300.500 ECU
Development and evaluation of new Rubus spp hybrids suitable for the cultivation in a greenhouse in mild winter climates. The production of hybrids takes place at the East Malling Research Station, G. Britain, in cooperation with the departments of Biotechnology of the University of Ancona and genetics of the Swedish Agricultural University.
The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania has undertaken the establishment of 2000m2 of greenhouse where the rubus plants will planted. The adaptation of the plants to the climatic conditions of the area and the production of out of season fruit will be studied. Additionally, the effects of the soil and cultural techniques on the yield and quality of the new hybrids with special emphasis on the regulation of winter production.
The programme is expected to provide a dynamic cultivation for the region with new high yield and quality cultivars cropping during the winter time and enjoying high prices.
Coordinator: University of Ancona
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology, MAICH, Horticultural Research Institute, Unversity of Potenza, CMRP, Agricultural University
Duration: 1993-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI Budget: 1.953.751 ECU
Cloning and in situ determination of the expression of hydrolases contributing to leaf abscission and nut opening in cotton.
Coordinator: Dr. P. Kalaitzis, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology
Cooperating: Laboratory of Pathology-Anatomy, Hospital Amalia Fleming, Athens, Institute of Cotton and Industrial Plants, Sindos,
Duration: 2000 – 2001
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, PENED
Budget: 52.000.000 drs
This Laboratory Network for national use in the field of agricultural biotechnology is aimed at the certification of genetically modified agricultural products and foodstuffs. The molecular biology techniques used are: PCR, Northern and Southern blot analysis, RNAse protection and in-situ hybridisation to detect genetic modifications of particular genes in various agricultural products.Certification of transgenic agricultural products used in food industry
Financed by: General Secretariat for Research and Technology, Business Projects for Research and Technology (EPET II), Sub-project 3
Budget: 150.000.000 drs.
Introduction of promising native ornamental species to the european market, adapted to low water availability and saline conditions.
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 815.000 ECU
Cooperation network: Preservation and quality management of marginally-utilized orticultural commodities in the mediterranean region
Financed by: European Union, DG I.
Budget: 30.000.000
Quality greenhouse management and control
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology HRI, University of Ciuda, Kardinal University, Institute of Biosystematics, Bosh-Adeco.
Duration: 1994-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 1.300.500 ECU
Expanding the adaptation and production area of rubus in Europe
Development and evaluation of new Rubus spp hybrids suitable for the cultivation in a greenhouse in mild winter climates. The production of hybrids takes place at the East Malling Research Station, G. Britain, in cooperation with the departments of Biotechnology of the University of Ancona and genetics of the Swedish Agricultural University.
The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania has undertaken the establishment of 2000m2 of greenhouse where the rubus plants will planted. The adaptation of the plants to the climatic conditions of the area and the production of out of season fruit will be studied. Additionally, the effects of the soil and cultural techniques on the yield and quality of the new hybrids with special emphasis on the regulation of winter production.
The programme is expected to provide a dynamic cultivation for the region with new high yield and quality cultivars cropping during the winter time and enjoying high prices.
Coordinator: University of Ancona
Cooperating: Department of Horticultural Sciences and Technology, MAICH, Horticultural Research Institute, Unversity of Potenza, CMRP, Agricultural University
Duration: 1993-1997
Financed by: EU DGVI
Budget: 1.953.751 ECULast update: 03 of February, 2012