The Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, CSIC-UV), located at the UV Science Park, will collaborate on the new European project SILENTRA – Silicon Enhanced Tolerance to Abiotic Resilience in Agriculture. This international initiative, funded by Horizon Europe–Eureka, will last 36 months and has a budget of 903,587 euros.
The SILENTRA project brings together companies and research centers from Spain, the Netherlands, and Turkey with the goal of creating an innovative agricultural bioproduct. This will combine microalgae extracts and silicon sources to increase crop tolerance to abiotic stress, such as salinity, drought, or high temperatures, and improve their resistance to fungal pathogens.
The research will focus on tomato plants, evaluating the combination of microalgae extracts and silicon particles to stimulate plant defenses and improve agricultural productivity. The ncRNA-Lab group at I2SysBio, led by Gustavo Gómez, will provide scientific advice and technical support for the trials, which will study responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, such as infection by Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria solani.
This work will allow for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved and validation of the bioproduct's efficacy in both greenhouse and field conditions. The participation of I2SysBio strengthens the connection between basic research and the development of applied solutions for the agri-food sector, aiming to generate a multifunctional biostimulant technology.
The project is coordinated by Farmacia Agroquímica de Europa S.L. (Spain) and involves collaboration with Lgem Systems B.V. (Netherlands), Kayseri Şeker Fabrikası Anonim Şirketi (Turkey), and the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (Turkey). Through its participation, I2SysBio contributes to the development of biotechnological tools for more resilient and sustainable agriculture.
