Improved bio-inocula and living mulching technologies for integrated management of horticultural crops

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The use of bio-inocula in commercial agriculture and horticulture is hindered by several factors, among them insufficient knowledge of microbial ecology, variable formulation efficiency and farmers awareness of application technology and requirements under different cropping systems. This project is thus expected to improve the knowledge on the ecological dynamics of bioinocula for plant protection and plant nutrition in both integrated and organic farming systems with living mulching under contrasting environmental/climatic conditions. Studies will be performed to elucidate how bioinocula interact with pathogenic, symbiotic and other microbes and to understand how they are influenced by environmental and agronomical conditions. Such knowledge is essential for maximising benefits associated with using beneficial microbes in commercial agriculture and horticulture as well as when integrating their use with other agronomical practices. To improve formulation efficiency, an innovative approach based on biodegradable polymers (e.g. cellulose-derivatives) or organic/inorganic hybrid capsule shells derived from underutilized biomasses will be used to microencapsulate bio-inocula and bio-effectors (substances promoting plant growth or resilience to biotic or abiotic stresses) contributing to plant protection or nutrition. These new formulations will becharacterized by the improved viability of microbial cells and their improved degradation behaviour in soil and plants, as well as the increased efficacy under different environmental and agronomical conditions.To break the paradigm of monoculture in fruit farming systems and to foster the concept of agroecology and improve biodiversity, this project plans to introduce new intercropping strategies using multifunctional living mulching crops in orchards. These are expected toincrease nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen, to reduce soil-borne pests/pathogens and weeds competition, to provide an additional income to farmers and to improve above- and below-ground biodiversity. All these factors shall increase the sustainability and profitability of fruit orchards as well as the possibility of delivering ecosystem services.The association of bio-inocula with living mulches will be also evaluated, to increase our understanding of the impact of bioinocula and soil management practices on biodiversity and crop production, thus realising the full potentials of using beneficial microorganisms as well as to fully exploit the benefits of living mulches synergistically. A mathematical model to predict bioinocula survival dynamics and subsequent dispersal will be developed and assist growers in optimising application of beneficial microbes for different cropping systems. It is expected that such approach will contribute to securing food production, whilst providing crucial ecosystem services related to climate changemitigation and crop adaptation/resilience.