Welcome to BBHORT

Exploring the interactive effects and potential synergies of biostimulants and biopesticides to improve productivity and sustainability for organic horticulture

Exploring the interactive effects and potential synergies of biostimulants and bio-pesticides to improve productivity and sustainability for organic horticulture (BBHORT)

The BBHORT project aims to impact environmentally sustainable farming by exploring the synergistic benefits of hybrid bio-preparations, combining a plant-based protein hydrolysate biostimulant with a microbial-based biopesticide. Focused on organic horticulture, the project seeks to enhance plant responses to combat insect pests and and unravel the underlying endogenous mechanisms through a multi-omics approach. The project also wish to catalyze positive change in organic horticulture, aligning with the EU's  regulations and the European Green Deal's target for organic farming by 2030.

About us

Mission

To advance environmentally sustainable farming by studying and promoting the synergistic benefits of hybrid bio-preparations in organic horticulture, with a focus on enhancing plant response and addressing challenges in pest control. 

Research Focus 

Investigating the synergistic interplay between a plant-based protein hydrolysate biostimulant and a microbial-based biopesticide (Beauveria bassiana) to enhance plant response, combat insect pests (aphids, thrips, whiteflies), and understand the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. 

Aim

To demonstrate that specific hybrid bio-preparations, combining a plant-based protein hydrolysate biostimulant and a microbial-based biopesticide, can offer synergistic benefits in organic horticulture. The overall aim is to enhance plant response, combat insect pests, and achieve increased yields in an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient manner.

Impact on Horticulture

The project aims to have a positive impact on horticulture by introducing innovative hybrid bio-preparations that enhance plant response, combat insect pests, and promote increased yields. This approach, rooted in environmentally sustainable practices, seeks to contribute to the advancement of organic horticulture, aligning with the goals of the new EU regulation on organic production and the European Green Deal's target for organic farming. 

Info

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Funding

The project is proud to be funded by PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE, through the 2022 PNRR Linea B – “Sud” call. The PRIN Program is supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (Ministero dell'Università).

Specific objectives

1. Assess the effects of the selected biostimulants (BS) and biopestices (BP) on tomato traits and fruit quality in greenhouse conditions.  

2. Evaluate BP and BP x BS effectiveness against major tomato pests, exploring mode of action and pest population dynamics. 

3. Investigate metabolic changes induced by BS, BP, and BP x BS, focusing on primary and secondary metabolites and nutrient concentrations. 

4. Interpret molecular changes using a multi-omics approach, including transcriptomics, ionomics, and metabolomics.

5. Maximize project impact by disseminating and communicating results to scientists, agronomists, and farmers.

Duration 

The BBHORT project is set to span 24 months, reflecting a commitment to advancing sustainable practices in horticulture over an adeaquate timeline for replicated trials.

Consortium 

The project is a collaborative initiative involving the expertise and resources of three distinguished Italian universities: Federico II University of Naples, Vanvitelli  University of Campania (Caserta), and Sassary University. Each project units is operational in the regions of the Mezzogiorno, contributing to the regional development goals outlined in the funding initiative.

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Institutions bringing together diverse expertise

Deliverables will mark the project's output

thousand euros of support for fuelling innovation

Staff Members actively contributing to the project

Discover 

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Outreach 

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Participants


Explore the diverse talents and collaborative spirit of our project participants, each contributing their unique expertise to drive innovation and success.


Christophe El-Nakhel


Researcher

Federico II University of Naples

Sara Melito


Professor

University of Sassari

Emanuela Campagna


Research Fellow

Giandomenico Corrado


Professor

Federico II University of Naples

Michele Ciriello


Researcher

Federico II University of Naples

Pasqualina Woodrow


Professor

University of Campania

Stefania Papa


Professor

University of Campania

Team

Meet our dedicated and innovative team, passionately working together to bring creativity, quality, and excellence to every aspect of the project.

Youssef Rouphael

Coordinator & PI

Luca Ruiu

Principal Investigator

Petronia Carillo

Principal Investigator

Contact

Connect with us! Reach out through the information below to get in touch with our team or inquire about any questions, collaborations, or opportunities.

Dipartimento di Agraria

via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA) ITALY

Email Us

youssef.rouphael@unina.it

Call Us

+39 081.25.39900