The partner FCUL/FC.ID comprehends several research groups and the BioISI genomics facility that will collaborate to successfully achieve the goals of S4G. The research groups are the Grapevine Pathogen Systems Lab (GPS Lab) experts in grapevine-pathogens interactions, OMICs approaches and in the characterization of disease regulatory networks in grapevine that explain plant-pathogen and plant-microorganisms communication, ultimately focused on improve crop resistance and sustainable production. The BIOTOX lab brings expertise in plant physiology and biochemistry and in tailoring SynComs to address environmental challenges in plants. The RNA Systems lab brings expertise in microRNAs and analysis of gene regulatory networks using RNA sequencing approaches.

We will participate in all the tasks of WP1, in both tasks 1.1 and 1.2 we will collaborate with INIAV and AVIPE to characterize both DM and PM tolerance in the crossing hybrids implemented in the field (INAV) or the minor neglected cultivars (INAV and AVIPE). In 2025 (task 1.3) we will use the best accessions for a multiOMICS approach in order to identify new tolerance associated traits. We will also collaborate in the establishment of a EWAS approach (task 1.4).

In WP2 we will contribute for the task 2.4 -Engineering the hologenome exploiting the microbial biodiversity. We have synthetic microbial communities (SynCom) that were successfully tested to improve grapevine resilience to abiotic stress and DM infection, and we will contribute to develop SynComs able to prime grapevine responses against DM and PM.

In WP3 we will test priming molecules to enhance grapevine resilience to DM, we will first conduct the experiment on pots and in 2025 we will implement the IPM in the field. We will monitor the impact of the chosen IPM strategies on metabolomic traits (plant) and on the rhizosphere microbiome.

In WP5 we will collaborate with AVIPE in the field training activities, where we are going to present the results obtained with the different IPM strategies applied in the vineyard.

The FCUL/FC.ID partner will also collaborate in dissemination activities (WP6) and in the project management as the head of the GPS Lab.
Andreia Figueiredo is the WP1 leader.