VALORAM

Valorizing Andean microbial diversity through sustainable intensification of potato-based farming systems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'VALORAM aims at exploring and valorizing Andean soil microbial diversity for the development of alternative, efficient technologies and crop management practices to improve the sustainability and productivity of Andean cropping systems benefiting rural farming households. The project will focus on potato because of its global importance for small-scale farmers in the central Andean highlands. The participants will use metagenomic, genomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis to identify novel traits of microorganisms and characterize beneficial soil microbial communities, to achieve the objective. The project specific aims are to (1) explore the agro-ecosystem functions of soil microbes in potato-based cropping systems and preserve the components of this microflora in international culture collections, (2) elucidate the role of rhizosphere microorganisms and communities in promoting plant growth, suppressing soil borne disease and priming plant biotic defenses, developing eco-efficient technologies/products for sustainable crop production systems, (3) develop applied technologies and knowledge-based systems to improve the sustainability and resilience of potato based cropping systems for the benefit of the indigenous farmers and (4) promote the exchange of scientific knowledge and technologies among partners and the LA scientific community to impulse research in this area and support the continuous development of crop production technologies. The strategy for VALORAM implementation is to engage LA and EU partners in developing and further stengthening collaborative research activities in order to sustainably improve potato-based systems. This is supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts with highly complementary skills and based on a robust management structure with an efficient workshop and communication programme. The results will directly benefit the local partners and may also contribute to increase the productivity of organic potato production in the EU.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Within healthy soil there is a whole microcosm of microbes. If diverse enough and balanced ecologically, the microorganisms will work to reduce disease, provide nutrients and overall increase the sustainability of growing crops.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

An EU-funded project, VALORAM has developed a research programme to harness the benefits of optimal soil microbial diversity for potato growers in the Andes. The potato is highly important for the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in the central Andean highlands.

The overall aim of the VALORAM researchers was to achieve a sustainable, more prolific potato cropping system for indigenous farmers in poor rural upland areas of the Andes. The team used genomic, metagenomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses to identify new traits of microorganisms and characterise beneficial microbial communities to counter disease and increase crop yield.

Three trial sites in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru were selected. Bacteria and fungi were isolated and subjected to a biodiversity analysis. The microbes were characterised for properties beneficial to the potato crop and then subject to genetic analysis. Using this data, stock cultures of the optimal microbes were produced for mass propagation and release into soils.

A metagenomics library was established as well as a database for storing details of the trial plots, including details of climate and soil as well as characteristic abiotic and biotic features of the areas. Knowledge exchange and dissemination was a major focus of the project and all stakeholders including project partners and farmers' associations were supplied with information on potato-based systems and microbial inoculants through the website and workshops.

Close to completion, the VALORAM project has so far increased knowledge on soil microbial flora. The team has developed microbial cultures for release into the soil to reduce growing costs and increase crop quality. The initiative will also help to raise the income of Andean farmers and consequently improve the standard of living in marginal farming areas in these mountainous regions.