Entangled Symbioses in Agroecosystems: Italian Ryegrass as a Hub of Interactions Among Plants, Microbial Symbionts and Herbivores
The seminar “Entangled Symbioses in Agroecosystems: Italian Ryegrass as a Hub of Interactions Among Plants, Microbial Symbionts and Herbivores” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m., in Room 3 of the School's Headquarters.
The seminar will be introduced by Elisa Pellegrino, Researcher in Agronomy and Herbaceous Crops at the Institute of Plant Production of the Sant'Anna School. This will be followed by a presentation by Marina Omacini, Professor of Ecology at the IFEVA Institute, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Prof. Omacini will be visiting the Institute of Plant Production from June 5 to June 20, 2025, as part of an exchange project funded by the Mobility Program “Ubaint Docentes” for international academic mobility of professors at the University of Buenos Aires – Call 2025, 1st edition. The aim of the project is to promote opportunities for discussion and collaboration on the topic of symbiosis between grasses and asexual endophytic fungi, with particular attention to the association between Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) and its endophyte Epichloë occultans, with which it has co-invaded and naturalized in the Pampas grasslands. During the visit, work will focus on:
- Planning joint research to study the distribution of this grass and its endophyte in the Mediterranean region, in order to understand the role of symbiosis in the success of the species in different environments, both in the Mediterranean and in the temperate areas of South America.
- Developing collaborations on innovative techniques and methodologies, including the production of inocula of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF).
A visit aimed at generating synergies between research groups and strengthening international scientific cooperation.
Webex link to participate remotely:
https://santannapisa.webex.com/santannapisa/j.php?MTID=m3fa8e256928cdafcfd47a31ef01c9221
Webinar number: 2788 331 3963
Webinar password: PqfnS5WQd75 (77367597 when calling from a phone or video system).