ELGO - Hellenic Agricultural Organization - Dimitra

The Hellenic Agricultural Organization - Dimitra (ELGO-DIMITRA) is a key institution in Greece for agricultural research, education, establishment of good agricultural practises, and certification of agricultural products and food. Focused on improving the quality and sustainability of Greek agriculture, ELGO-DIMITRA integrates scientific research with practical applications. The organization operates a network of research institutes and vocational centres, that support the agri-food sector through research, training and certification services. By promoting innovation and sustainable practices, ELGO- DIMITRA helps safeguard Greece's rich agricultural heritage while addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and market competitiveness. The Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources (IPGRB) is one of the 11 Institutes of the General Directorate of Agricultural Research of ELGO-DIMITRA, based in Thermi, Thessaloniki. IPGRB conducts research in several research areas, among other, the genetic improvement of plants (cereals, tobacco, cotton, hemp, horticultural, aromatic, floricultural, deciduous fruit trees, and nut trees) for high quality and nutritional value, but also for resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, as well as the conservation of plant genetic resources, plant breeding using biotechnological and classical methods, plant protection, sustainable farming systems, technology and quality of plant species and plant products.

Role in project

ELGO’s main role in PRO-WILD is related to Genebank’s activities for ex-situ and in situ conservation and characterization of CWR accessions. In particular, in WP1, ELGO will contribute in the analysis of the global in-situ geographic distribution of known populations of all the CWR species belonging to the genera targeted by the project (Aegilops, Triticum, Brassica and Beta), and will provide supplementary data on population distributions (Task 1.1) and genebank’s accessions of Brassica spp., complemented by additional sampling (Tasks 1.2). In WP2, ELGO will contribute to CWR diversity Survey (Task 2.1), inputs and germplasm’s provision to target the best representative CWR populations (Task 2.2), Pro-Wild Germplasm development for Brassica and wheat (Task 2.3), phenotypic evaluation of the selections of Beta and wheat accessions against abiotic stresses (Task 2.4) - drought and cold stress for Beta and drought stress for wheat. In WP3, ELGO participates in evaluation of the most divergent segregating wheat populations under rainfed and irrigated conditions and phenotyping winter wheat lines from these populations for multiple traits (Tasks 3.2 and 3.4).

Key persons involved

Dr Parthenopi Ralli
Dr Ifigeneia Mellidou
Dr Ioannis Mylonas
Dr Kalliopi Kadoglidou
Dr Nikolaos Krigkas
Dr Eleni Maloupa
Dr Catherine-Margaret Cook

Further information

Link: ELGO - DIMITRA