18:30

Registration

18:30

Welcome Reception at the Conference Centre

08:30-09:00

Registration

09:00-09:30

Chairs: Panos Kalaitzis, Vincenzo Fersino

Welcome Addresses

George Baourakis, Director of MAICH

Placido Plaza, General Secretary of CIHEAM

Thaer Yaseen, FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa

Giuseppe Provenzano, Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)

Michele Bozzano, European Forest Institute Mediterranean Region Office (EFIMED)

9:30-9:55

Keynote Speaker

How advanced genomics approaches bring fleshy fruit research from dogma to paradigm shifts

Mondher Bouzayen

INP-ENSA Toulouse, Genomics and Biotechnology of Fruit group, France

9:55-10:05

Assessment of wild tuber-bearing Solanum species for de novo domestication by CRISPR-Cas9 editing

Aristotelis Azariadis

Dpt: of Agroecology - Crop Genetics & Biotechnology, Aarhus University, Denmark

10:05-10:15

Mechanical stress perceived by woody roots: status quo and perspectives

Mohamed Kouhen

Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Italy

10:15-10:25

n-Tomatomics: Development of novel Greek tomato varieties using next generation tools

Petroula Gemeliari

Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology, Mediterranean Agricultural Institution of Chania, Greece

10:25-10:35

Experience from a network-based analysis for identification of pivotal genes involved in asymmetric root response to mechanical constrains

Anastazija Dimitrova

Department of Bioscience and Territory, University of Molise, Italy

10:35-10:45

Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices to Assess Water and Nitrogen Status of Sweet Maize Crop

Milica Colovic

CIHEAM, Bari, Italy

10:45-10:55

Whole genome scanning of a Mediterranean basin hotspot collection provide new insights into olive biodiversity and domestication

Christos Bazakos

ELGO-Dimitra, Greece

10:55-11:05

Combining Field Experiments and Modeling for a No Harm Irrigation Management with Treated Wastewater: Case Studies from Jordan and Palestine

Rodolphe Aziz

CIHEAM, Bari, Italy

11:05-11:15

Response of prolyl 4 hydroxylases, Arabinogalactan proteins 2 and homogalacturonans content under long salinity stress in

four olive cultivars

Eleftheria Figgou

Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology, Mediterranean Agricultural Institution of Chania, Greece

  11:15-11:55

Coffee Break

11:55-12:20

Keynote Speaker

Exploring Greek Cistus creticus Genotypes Biodiversity for High Producer

Clones Rich in Bioactive Compounds

Angelos Kanellis

                 Group of Biotechnology, Dept Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

12:20-12:30

Over-expression lines of P4H3 in tomato fruit development and abscission

Dimitris Kaloudas

Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology, Mediterranean Agricultural Institution of Chania, Greece

12:30-12:40

In vitro regeneration and mass multiplication of Spathiphyllum wallisii

Imane Boudadi (Online)

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco

12:40-12:50

Saffron flower ' Crocus sativus L' as antioxident, antimicrobial and natural dye: From waste to biotechnological applications

Khadija Lachguer (Online)

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences of Agadir, Department of Biology, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

12:50-13:00

Mediterranean barley landraces: genetic diversity and adaptation

Francesco Montardit-Tarda

Departamento de Fisiología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Spain

13:00-13:10

Medicago truncatula endophytic bacteria: genome mining and plant bioprotection activities

Manel Chaouachi (Online)

Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Center of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, Tunisia

13:10-13:30

Awards Ceremony: Best MSc THESIS Prize and YOUTH INNOVATION AWARD

Introduction by the Secretary General, Mr Placido PLAZA

Intervention by Lamiae Ghaouti, President of the CIHEAM Advisory Board (on line)

Best MSc Thesis Award ceremony:

Awarded by the Director of CIHEAM Zaragosa, Mr Raul COMPES

Intervention of the winner, Mrs Yasmin MUHAMMED

Youth Innovation Award ceremony:

Awarded by the Director of CIHEAM Chania, Mr George Baourakis

Intervention of the winner, Mr Ezzudeen ESAIWI

13:30-14:30

Lunch

14:30-14:55

Chairs: Mondher Bouzayen, Maroun El Moujabber

Keynote Speaker

Trends, prospects and challenges in the production of functional food products for meeting specific industry’s interests and consumers’ needs

Kostas Biliaderis

Food Chemistry & Physical Chemistry Lab - Food Science & Technology Dept, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

14:55-15:05

A 3D imaging approach for characterizing and detecting tomato fruit variation

Kostas Blazakis

Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology, Mediterranean Agricultural Institution of Chania, Greece

15:05-15:15

Assessment of Technological and sensory stability of improved am formula based on Moroccan clementine (Citrus clementina) fruit

Hanane Azzouzi

Agro-food Technology and Quality Laboratory, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Tadla, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), Morocco

15:15-15:25

UV-Visible spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools, as a green fingerprint analytical approach for controlling Moroccan honey adulteration

Safaa Lahbabi

Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biotransformations, Morocco

15:25-15:35

Intervarietal differences in composition and physicochemical properties of Greek tomato cultivars

Sofia Damplia

Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of

Thessaloniki (AUTH), Greece

15:35-15:45

Analysis of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Food

Ioannis Kyziropoulos

TUV AUSTRIA- FOOD ALLERGENS LAB, Greece

15:45-15:55

Effect of Lights Spectrum on Antioxidants Production as A Natural Hepatoprotective Agent from Chicory Cultivars

Alaa Marzouk

National Research Center, Egypt

15:55-16:05

Developing a Decision Support Tool for sustainable viticulture: Insights on the agroecological assessment of practices in Cretan vineyards

Sotirios Pilafidis

Laboratory of Physico-Chemical and Biotechnological Valorization of Food By-Products, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Greece

16:05-16:15

Recovery of oleuropein-rich extracts from “Picholine Marocaine” olive leaves by using maceration and advanced extraction techniques

Salah Chaji

Laboratory of Food and Food By-Products Chemistry and Processing Technology, National School of Agriculture in Meknès, Morocco and Laboratory of Bioprocess and Bio-interfaces, Faculty of Science and Techniques, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni-Mellal, Morocco

16:15-16:25

Rationalizing irrigation for improving durum wheat performance under semi-arid conditions

Houda Mazhoud (Online)

National Institute for Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT)

16:25-17:25

Poster Session

09:00-09:25

Chairs: Polydeukis Hatzopoulos, Ramzi Belkhodja

Keynote Speaker

Diversity of fruit trees in the Levant, between present trends and future challenges

Lamis Chalak

Head of Plant Production Department, Faculty of Agronomy, The Lebanese University, Beirut Lebanon

09:25-09:35

Beta-glucans production by Pleurotus ostreatus and Morchella esculenta cultivated on various agroresidues under submerged cultures

Sotirios Pilafidis

Laboratory of Physico-Chemical and Biotechnological Valorization of Food By-Products, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Greece

09:35-09:45

The role of UV-Visible and Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy combined with Chemometrics modeling, as a valuable, sustainable, analytical approach for food quality assessment

Safaa Lahbabi

Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biotransformations, Morocco

09:45-09:55

Improvement of the phenolic compounds in olive products following the application of bio stimulants facing climate change

Imen Zouari

Olive Institute, Tunisia

09:55-10:05

Contribution of a Seeded Cover Crop Mixture on Biomass Production and Nutrition Status Compared to Natural Vegetation in a Mediterranean Olive Grove  

Safiye Tul

ELGO-Dimitra, Greece

10:05-10:15

The effect of incorporation of pomegranate bark extract in minced beef on its microbiological, technological, and sensory qualities 

Loubna Chafki

Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco

10:15-10:25

Date-Fruit powder as a substitute to added sugar in dairy desserts

Naziha Fedala¹, Moussa Mokhtari²

1:Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agroalimentaires, Algeria 2: URADTE/CRAPC BOUSMAIL Tipaza, Algeria

10:25-10:35

Valorization of citrus sorting rejects to value added products

Kawatar Farih

Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Morocco

10:35-10:45

Study of the evolution of phenolic compounds in tunisian extra virgin olive oils under different impacting conditions

Ben Ahmed Mariem (Online)

Laboratory of Integrated Olive Production, Olive Institute, Specialized Unit, Tunisia

10:45-11:05

Coffee Break

11:05-11:35

Thematic Session 3: Genetic resources, pest management and water resource use for sustainable production and climate change resilience

Chairs: Lamis Chalak, Angelos Kanellis

Keynote Speaker

Plant genetic resources: a cornucopia full of traits for future generations

Giovanni Giuliano

CRC, Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Italy

11:35-11:45

Integrating agro-ecological practices and smart farming to improve agricultural production and insect pest control

Amel Ben Hamouda (Online)

Olive Institute, Tunisia

11:45-11:55

Pesticide residues levels in some fruits and vegetables from southern areas of Algeria

Moussa Mokhtari

URADTE/CRAPC BOUSMAIL Tipaza, Algeria

11:55-12:05

Management of the prickly pear mealy bug, Dactylopius opuntiae using bio-insecticide in Morocco

Rachida El Boullani

Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorization of Natural Resources, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

12:05-12:15

A comparison of two Agrivoltaic Systems to assess their impact on Arugula production (Eruca Vesicaria): a case study in southern Italy

Hiba Chebli

CIHEAM, Bari, Italy

12:15-12:25

Response of nematodes in the Sous- Massa National Park to anthropogenic impact: Agricultural activities as example

Obidari Tayeb (Online)

Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences - Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

12:25-12:35

Nematodes associated with saffron II: Functional diversity in soil health assessment and impact of agricultural practices

Hinde Benjlil (Online)

Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Valorization of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

12:35-12:45

Volatiles of Capsicum spp: Dried Fruits as Attractants for Lasioderma serricorne F: (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Mokhtar Arif (Online)

Plant Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq

12:45-13:10

Poster Session

13:10-14:20

Lunch

14:20-14:30

Olive tree water use efficiency under Tunisian abiotic stresses conditions (drought and salinity)

Olfa Boussadia

Olive Institute, Tunisia

14:30-14:40

Impact of overexploitation of groundwater resources on the resilience of agricultural systems in a rural area

Nour Nsiri

CIHEAM, Montpellier, France

14:40-14:50

Effect of mother corm genotype and planting site environment on vegetative propagation of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus)

Mohamed Ben El Caid (Online)

LBVRN, Faculty of sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco

14:50-15:20

Coffee Break

15:20-15:45

Chairs: Giovanni Giuliano, Ioannis Gitas

Keynote Speaker

Exploring and generating diversity for tomato fruit quality

Antonio Grannel

Plant Biology and Biotechnology Lab, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain

15:45-15:55

OliveID-A computational tool for olive cultivar identification

Kostas Blazakis

Department of Horticultural Genetics & Biotechnology, Mediterranean Agricultural Institution of Chania, Greece

15:55-16:05

Impact of climate change on the behavioral of Purple scale (Lepidosaphes beckii) and its parasitoids of the Genus Aphytis in Algeria 

Yasmina Agagna

Zoologie agricole et forestière, Ecole National Supérieure Agronomique, Algeria

16:05-16:15

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of an ex-situ collection of cherry trees (prunus avium) using pomological and physiochemical descriptors

Zahra El Kettabi (Online)

Agro-food Technology and Quality Laboratory, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Tadla, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Morocco

16:15-16:30

Coffee Break

16:30-16:40

Morphological adaptation strategies of the purple scale L: beckii (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

Ibtissem Beloued

Zoologie, Agricole et Forestière, Ecole National Supérieure Agronomique, Algeria           

16:40-16:50

Contribution of Seeded Cover crops to Climate Change Mitigation and Nutrient Retention in Tunisian Olive groves along a north-south gradient

Fadoua Elhaddad 

University of JAEN, Spain - University of Monastir, Tunisia

16:50-17:00

Domestication of Desert Plant Species in light of Climate Change

Hafsa Debbagh-Nour

African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute - UM6P, Laâyoune

17:00-17:10

Effect of Red and Blue Light on Hepatoprotective agents of Cichorium endive Supp: Pumillum “Egyptian Chicory” as Anti-candida

Alaa Marzouk

National Research Center, Egypt

17:10-17:20

Effect of abiotic stress on seed germination behavior of some endemic aromatic and medicinal plants of Morocco

Hanane Oublid (Online)

Laboratory of Biotechnologies and Valorization of Natural Resources, IBN ZOHR University, Morocco

17:20-17:30

The Value of FHB Resistance and Other Varietal Characteristics to Saskatchewan HRS Wheat Producers

Lampros Nikolaos Maros  (Online)

Agricultural & Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

17:30-18:30

Poster Session

20:00-24:00

GALA DINNER & LIVE MUSIC at Conference Centre

09:00-09:25

Chairs: Antonio Grannel, Chariton Kalaitzidis

Keynote Speaker

The beauty of Plant Metabolism to adjust tailor-made production

Polydeukis Hatzopoulos

Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Dept Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Greece

09:25-09:35

Olive agroforestry and soil chemical properties drive the linkages between rhizospheric microbial community of cereal or legume in the South Mediterranean

Ameni Ben Zineb

Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria, Tunisia

09:35-09:45

Spectral Phenotype Mapping with a Novel Handheld Spectral Imager

Koutalonis Ioannis

2QCELL, Chania, Greece

09:45-09:55

A holistic scheme for shaping sustainable and digital agriculture, forestry, livestock, and rural development: The Horizon Europe CHAMELEON Project

Nikolaos Sifakis 

Technical University of Crete, Greece

09:55-10:05

Influence of Different lights sources on the Biochemical composition of Arthrospira spp: Grown in model systems

Massimo Milia (Online)

Food Toxicology Unit, Department of Life and Environmental Science, University of Cagliari, Italy

10:05-10:15

Monitoring woody plant expansion with remote sensing to support grassland ecosystem health and management

Irini Soubry (Online)

Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

10:15-10:45

Coffee Break

10:45-11:10

Keynote Speaker

EO Applications in EU-Mediterranean Forest Fire Management

Ioannis Gitas

Forest Management and Remote Sensing, School of Forestry & Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

11:10-11:20

In vitro inhibition of fungi causing postharvest green and blue mold of citrus fruits by agricultural by-products extracts

Ricardo Lima De Souza

Centro de Tecnología Poscosecha (CTP) - Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Spain

11:20-11:30

Collective and contextualized strategies to promote resilient and sustainable agricultural production in Lebanon

Rim Alamin

CIHEAM, Montpellier, France

11:30-11:40

Single-tree biomass estimation using Multispectral LiDAR data in a sustainable managed coniferous forest

Antoniadis Konstantinos

Laboratory of Forest Management and Remote Sensing, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

11:40-11:50

Durum Wheat Natural Mycorrhization and Mineral Contents during Tillering Stage as Influenced by Tillage Practices and Cultivation Season under Rainfed Conditions

Chaieb Nadia

Regional Research Centre on Horticulture and Organic Farming, Tunisia

11:50-12:00

A benchmarking framework of optimized sustainability paths suited to local agri-food clusters in the Mediterranean region

Reem El Khechen

CIHEAM, Montpellier, France

12:00-12:10

Multi-Criteria Analysis of on-farm climate change adaptation strategies in Egypt

Emirjona Kertolli

CIHEAM, Montpellier, France

12:10-12:20

Bacterial cellulose production by a newly isolated Komagataeibacter rhaeticus strain valorizing waste streams derived from the brewery industry

Tsouko Erminta (Online)

Laboratory of Physico-Chemical and Biotechnological Valorization of Food By-Products, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, School of Environment, University of the Aegean, Greece

12:20-12:30

Biochar can enhance tomato yield and fruit quality through the amelioration of growing medium characteristics

Melissa Simiele (Online)

Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Italy

12:30-12:40

Reusing reclaimed water for irrigation: Sustainability solution to improve the availability of water resources and contribute to an efficient use of water resources?

Arfa Imen

CEIGRAM Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain

12:40-12:55

GENERAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS