Dr. Raquel Martínez Peña, a researcher at the Regional Institute of Agri-Food and Forestry Research and Development of Castilla-La Mancha (IRIAF), recently completed a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the Department of Forest Genetics at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The main goal of this STSM was to analyze genetic sequences from pistachio leaf samples to identify genes involved in adaptation to abiotic stresses, such as drought and extreme temperatures, which are critical for improving the resilience of pistachio crops to climate change.
During the mission, Dr. Martínez Peña worked on sequencing and analyzing the genetic material from various pistachio varieties and rootstocks, focusing on genes related to stress responses. She also integrated the transcriptomics data with remote sensing measurements, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how different varieties respond to environmental stress. The results of her research will contribute to the development of pistachio cultivars with enhanced tolerance to climate-related challenges.
This STSM, supported by the FruitCREWS COST Action, is of great importance for the project as it advances the understanding of crop adaptation to environmental stress, a key area for sustainable agriculture. The knowledge gained will be shared with other researchers within the FruitCREWS Action, fostering collaboration and promoting the development of climate-resilient crops essential for future food security.