BIOformulati a base di microbi BEnefici e loro sostAnze Naturali per la produzione e la valorizzazione di legumi

The project will develop a series of actions concerning the application of bioformulations based on beneficial microorganisms and/or their metabolites for the defense and/or production increase of organic crops. The activities will be aimed at native varieties of Calabrian legumes and will allow a consequent enhancement of these products. Legumes have been an integral part of the diet in southern Italy and, as is well known, their cultivation improves the cropping systems in which they develop by increasing the efficiency of irrigation, reducing the amount of fertilizers needed and the emission of greenhouse gases and enriching biodiversity and soil health. The production system that is intended to be implemented involves the use of agri-food production waste to obtain bio-improvers in which the organic substance present is used for the controlled fermentation of specially selected microorganisms. The project is divided into WP WP1: Defense of Calabrian native legume crops through the use of microbial bioformulations antagonistic to the main plant pathogens WP2: Implementation of a production system for obtaining a high protein ingredient for the specialty food industry WP3: Development of a strategic and operational marketing plan to facilitate the placement of the ingredient on the B2B market of special foods WP4: Enhancement and recovery of native varieties of Calabrian legumes - Enhancement of water management through the use of legumes.