The Phytobiomes Alliance is an international, nonprofit consortium of academic institutions, private companies, and government agencies. Launched in 2016, it aims at building a foundation for exploitation of the phytobiome for food security.
“Phytobiomes” refers to a plant growing within a particular biome, enabling a holistic view of the production of crops, trees, and grasslands that includes the plant itself, all micro- and macro-organisms living in, on, or around the plant – such as microbes, animals, insects, and other plants – as well as the environment, which includes soil, air, water, weather, and climate.
Evogene’s Ag-Biologicals division goal is to improve agriculture productivity and sustainability through the introduction of microbiome based Ag-Biologicals products. The Division is focused on the discovery, optimization and development of novel, microbiome-based biopesticide and biostimulant products through the use of its CPB platform – harnessing the power of big data and advanced informatics.
“Evogene’s Ag-Biologicals division sees a great opportunity to be part of the Phytobiome Alliance. Combining industry and academia expertise will drive forward the understanding of complex microbiome networks and functionality and result in potential new solutions with improved efficacy, stability and commercial viability – driving agriculture productivity and sustainability,” says Michael Ionescu, Director of Research in the Ag-Biologicals Division.
Michael Ionescu will join the Alliance Coordinating Committee. This Committee identifies research, resource and technology gaps, establishes priorities, and develops strategic plans to achieve Alliance goals.
“We are very pleased to have the Ag-Biologicals division of Evogene joining the Alliance,” says Kellye Eversole, the Alliance Executive Director. “Phytobiomes science has the potential of improving agriculture productivity in arid regions such as the Middle-East and Evogene’s leading position in the region will bring a valuable perspective to the Alliance.”
For more information:
www.evogene.com