PROJECTS

pOGROM2.0 aims to establish an integrated, state-of-the-art research infrastructure for the conservation, study, breeding and exploitation of Central Macedonia’s plant genetic resources, with a strong focus on omics technologies and advanced systems for phenotyping, controlled cultivation and biotechnological applications.

The ultimate goal is to strengthen the research capacity of IPBGR/ELGO-DIMITRA and create a functional platform that links genomic knowledge with practical applications in plant breeding, sustainable agricultural production and the protection of agrobiodiversity.

The specific objectives of the project include:

– Conserving and exploiting plant genetic material through advanced analytical and cultivation technologies.

– Developing resilient and efficient plant varieties adapted to climate-change challenges.

– Strengthening genomic, epigenomic, single-cell and phenomic analysis of plant species.

– Linking research outputs with applications in primary production, biotechnology and high added-value products.

– Positioning Central Macedonia as a regional centre of excellence for plant genetic resources research and utilisation.

The key expected result is the installation and operational use of twelve (12) innovative research systems that will function as a complementary infrastructure for the analysis, conservation, cultivation and breeding of plant genetic resources.

The project’s main output areas include:

– Long-read and ultra-long-read sequencing infrastructures for genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis of plant material.

– Single-cell preparation and analysis capacity for gene expression, chromatin accessibility and cellular response studies.

– Laboratory equipment for qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant samples, including microplate photometry and refrigerated centrifugation.

– Controlled-environment growth chambers, greenhouse automation systems and a vertical photobiotechnological hydroponic unit combined with a digital twin.

– Bioreactor systems and in vitro plant tissue culture platforms for the production of bioactive compounds and metabolism studies.

– Optical seed-analysis capacity for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of plant genetic material.

– A research infrastructure supporting plant breeding, biodiversity conservation and the documentation and exploitation of plant genetic resources.