DESCRIPTION

PlantUP includes a rational and uniform reinforcement of the existing recipient infrastructure, nationwide, aiming at the sustainable exploitation of plant biodiversity through the creation of high added-value products. According to the PlantUP implementation plan, specific research axes have been defined on which the proposed infrastructure is created: identification of desired plant material (plants, seeds), collection and cultivation, chemical analysis and characterization, phytochemistry and isolation, protocol upgrades on a pilot scale, and production of high value added products. All of the above stages are framed by modern equipment, databases and sample banks. In particular, the identification and recording of endemic plant life is an important avenue and a prerequisite for preserving this biodiversity. The existing plant collections of the beneficiaries are upgraded and the existing herbs are linked, with the aid of DNA barcoding, which facilitates and promotes the exploration and exploitation of plant wealth.

The lack of certified genetic material as well as the over-exploitation of wildlife biodiversity make it imperative to have new facilities for in vitro production of propagating material, seed examination and certification and improvement of cultivation practices with the introduction of new hydroponics, avionics and “greenhouses”, with the aim of developing competitive products and services. The discovery of plant taxa (species, varieties) with similar or better properties requires the discovery of new biomarkers based on the study of existing physicochemical features, genotypes and phenotypes. PlantUP exploits new technologies to identify and multiply the appropriate plant material, and to overcome the time-consuming processes for the isolation and production of Natural Products with innovative biological actions. In addition, PlantUP, through its Safety and Plant Protection Plan, deeply investigates Hazardous Organizations in Special Biosafety Plans (Level 2 and 3) to develop tools for their management, timely identification, and risk assessment for ecosystems and crops. In this way, knowledge on their epidemiology and ecology is produced, the molecular interactions between the dangerous organisms and their host plants are clarified, the conditions and the quarantine time are defined, in order to minimize their impact and their impact (economic, ecological, social) in herbal capital.

Biodiversity and plant wealth are among the major pillars of growth in Greece. However, many parameters make it difficult for them to be exploited effectively for the benefit of man and consequently of the national economy. The lack of certified genetic material as well as the over-exploitation of wildlife biodiversity make it imperative to have new facilities for the production of propagating material, seed examination and certification and the improvement of cultivation practices with the introduction of new hydroponics, avionics and “smart greenhouse”, aiming to develop competitive products and services. The discovery of plant taxa (species, varieties) with similar or better properties requires the discovery of new biomarkers based on the study of existing physicochemical features, genotypes and phenotypes. PlantUP exploits new technologies to identify and multiply the appropriate plant material to isolate and produce Natural Products with innovative biological actions. All of the above stages are framed by modern equipment, databases and sample banks. In particular, the identification and recording of endemic plant life is an important avenue and a prerequisite for preserving this biodiversity. The existing plant collections of the beneficiaries are upgraded and the existing herbs are linked, with the aid of DNA barcoding, which facilitates and promotes the exploration and exploitation of plant wealth.

Natural Products, i.e. secondary metabolites of natural origin, are still the main and most important source of medicines and ingredients of cosmetic formulations and nutritional supplements. They are distinguished by tremendous diversity, and a wealth of physicochemical and biological properties that make them unmatched compared to synthetic products. Our country with its unique biodiversity and endemism can be an inexhaustible source of Natural Products and hence products of high added value. Within the framework of RI PlantUP, the country’s major laboratories in the field of natural products interact dynamically exploiting pre-existing knowledge and experience. Specifically, pioneering technological approaches covering the whole spectrum of phytochemical analysis, preparation of extracts, isolation and identification of natural products are implemented using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (metabolic profile & footprint, characterization of extracts, accelerated phytochemical analysis). Modern techniques for extraction, separation, isolation (SFE, MWE, CCC, FCPC, ART) and chemical modification are combined with state-of-the-art and high throughput automation analytical platforms High field NMR, high resolution MS, UPLC / HPLC-DAD and bioautography, HPTLC). Existing databases are used to analyze extracts and compounds and to verify their chemical identity. In addition, both extracts and isolated natural products or end products are subjected to rapid cellular and molecular biology tests (anti-aging, cardiac protection, nutritional value) using high performance robotic systems and streamline workflow. Finally, libraries of extracts / associations and data are created, creating a valuable reference for future research and exploitation, including valuable information that can be used by researchers as well as industries.

Another important element for the exploitation of the country’s rich herbal capital – besides the creation of propagating material, cultivation and phyto-chemical study of plant species – is the health of the plant organisms themselves. Climate change and trade globalization have caused a significant increase in the emerging threats of phytosanitary agriculture and natural ecosystems due to the introduction and establishment of non-endemic organisms in new areas with significant economic and ecological impacts. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for research into quarantine pests and other emerging organisms (EOs) and their interaction with host plants and the environment. Thus, in RI PlantUP, great emphasis has also been placed on this scientific field. Specifically, studies of the biology, evolution and interactions of harmful micro-organisms with their hosts and the environment, as well as the mechanisms of resistance against herbicides are carried out. Simplified, fast, reliable and sensitive diagnostic methods are developed to diagnose diseases and plant damage. In addition, PlantUP, through its safety and plant protection plan, is deeply investigating potentially dangerous organisms, special biosafety facilities to develop tools for their management, early identification, and assessment of their hazards for ecosystems and crops. The development of the above methods is facilitated by the acquisition of the nucleotide sequence of the studied pests with the aim of developing innovative methods for their effective management. In this direction, segregation, identification, purification and characterization of biomolecules characterizing the interactions of plants with selected harmful microorganisms are carried out. These molecules can be used to develop control strategies for micro-organisms as well as potential plant protection products. Finally, the safety of these bioactive substances for man and the environment is also being studied. In this way, knowledge on their epidemiology and ecology is produced, the molecular interactions between the dangerous organisms and their host plants are clarified, the conditions and the quarantine time are defined in order to minimize their impact and impact (economic, ecological, social) in herbal capital.