BESTIM network makes progress in exploring agro-ecological immunity
The BESTIM network for boosting plant health (Bestim) using all possible levers met on 10-11 May 2023 at Saint Pol de Leon in Brittany. Hosted by Vegenov, the 43 participants came together to exchangee information on progress of work on plant immunity, discuss the progress of working groups launched last year and visit several research, experimentation and production structures for the Breton vegetable industry.
The RMT has two new members: the PSII team from the University of Avignon and the CDHR Centre Val de Loire. BESTIM took advantage of the plenary session to make connections with its industrial partners (Actura, SICA de St Pol de Leon and Groupe Roullier), who were invited to present their research activities.
After two years in operation, BESTIM has made major progress in its 5 areas of focus. GEVES is contributing to axes 1, 2 and 3, mainly to axis 2 on methodological development:
- For innovation monitoring (axis 1), the newsletter is now in its 14th issue and is beginning to be distributed internationally thanks to the joint efforts of Acta and Vegenov.
- In method development (axis 2), two working groups are working to pool recommendations for the application of nutrient or thermo-hydric stress in order to deliver a practical guide that would save time for any experimenter wishing to demonstrate the effectiveness of solutions under stress conditions.
- The Axis 3 working groups dedicated to modes of action and receptivity to biosolutions will be merged and reactivated in the form of thematic meetings aimed at sharing research results in order to increase the level of knowledge about levers.
- A new working group has been set up at the interface of Axis 2 to provide the RMT with knowledge about microbiota. Axis 4 is preparing a workshop on data processing in the autumn, in collaboration with the Biocontrôle consortium and the RMT Modelia (Data Science and Modelling for Agriculture and Agri-Food).
- Axis 4 is preparing a workshop on data processing in the autumn, in collaboration with the Biocontrol consortium and the RMT Modelia (Data Science and Modelling for Agriculture and Agri-Food).
- Axis 5 has carried out a mapping of existing training courses on the use of biocontrol solutions and biostimulants, and the EFOR2BIO project (Development of training to accelerate use) is starting this year with the support of the ANR.The network would like to remind everyone that it is able to approve any project submitted in connection with plant immunity.
