The Optimus Prime Proposal

OPTIMUS PRIME is a Research and Innovation (RIA) initiative related to Topic 2.2.1. Re-design the agro-livelihood systems to ensure resilience of the Thematic Area 2 of the PRIMA programme.

Mediterranean agriculture is characterized by intensification with high density plantations in the open field and in greenhouses supported by on-demand irrigation and extensive use of pesticides leading to an unsustainable use and management of natural resources and the degradation of arable land. Climate change poses an extra challenge for the sustainability of Mediterranean agriculture by reducing water availability, affecting soil microbiota composition, and favouring alien pest invasion, subsequently putting farmers' income and welfare at risk.

OPTIMUS PRIME proposal focuses on natural products and beneficial soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) as seed priming agents to improve resilience of commercial widespread tomato genotypes and local adapted landraces to challenging environments including invasive pest attack.

THE PRIMING CONCEPT

OPTIMUS PRIME will investigate i) the priming effect of different natural products and biological (AMF and PGPB) agent combinations against the concurrent incidence of high temperatures, water deficit and attack of Tuta absoluta and Tetranychus evansi on commercial and traditional local tomato genotypes and its validation under field conditions, ii) the generation of biodegradable polymer seed coatings integrating these priming agents and, finally, iii) the technical and economic viability of batch production of coated primed tomato seeds.

Adult stage of Tuta absoluta, a lepidopteran. Credit: Patrick Clement.

Leaf damage by Tuta absoluta.

Adult stages of Tetranychus evansi, a specialist phytophagous spide mite.

T. evansi-associated damage in tomato leaflets.

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