Program of the International Phytobiomes Conference 2024 is online
The program of the International Phytobiomes Conference 2024 is now available online.
Some highlights:
Plenary Lectures
- Gwyn Beattie (Iowa State University, Board member and founding member of the Phytobiomes Alliance) will deliver a keynote address that will set the stage for three days of presentations, panel discussions, scientific talks, poster displays, and networking activities.
- Catherine Feuillet (Inari) will explore how gene technologies can unlock genetic potential of plants for future agriculture.
- Francesca Cotrufo (Colorado State University) will discuss strategies for regenerating soil organic matter to enhance food production and mitigate climate change.
- Terrence Bell (University of Toronto) will present insights into how microbial survival and function are influenced by near-term conditioning within phytobiomes.
- James Lowenberg-DeBoer (Harper Adams University) will highlight the digital management of phytobiome systems for improved agricultural practices.
- Sheila Ochugboju (Alliance for Science) will discuss the links between global food security, hunger, and science to inspire collaborative solutions.
Discussions
- Production Agriculture & Sustainability
Representatives from companies and producer organizations like Plenty, United Soybean Board, 80 Acres, and Bayer, will discuss sustainable farming practices and technology’s role in agriculture. - Regulatory Insights
Representatives from biotech companies will share their experiences navigating agricultural regulations and their implications for research and innovation. Bernadette Juarez from USDA-APHIS will present a regulator’s perspective on current regulations for genetically engineered plants and microbes. - Industry Roundtable
Leaders from NewLeaf Symbiotics, Trace Genomics, Syngenta, and Pivot Bio will discuss how public-private collaborations drive innovation in agricultural science.
Scientific Talks
A range of cutting-edge research will be presented, covering diverse topics such as:
- Plant-microbe interactions and their role in enhancing crop productivity.
- Advances in microbial community analysis and implications for soil health and sustainability.
- Innovations in plant breeding for improved resilience to drought and other environmental stressors.
- The impact of soil health on nutrient cycling and crop yields.
- Microbial biostimulants and their potential to improve plant growth and stress resistance.
- Precision agriculture technologies and their application in optimizing phytobiome management.
- Integrating genomics and metabolomics to understand plant-microbe dynamics.
Poster Flash Talks
Each day will feature short poster flash talks, offering sneak peeks into the research showcased during the poster sessions. Posters will be on display throughout the conference in the coffee and lunch area, allowing for viewing at any time. Additionally, there will be two dedicated poster sessions in the evenings to further engage with the authors and discuss their work in details.
Industry Career Discussion
New this year, there will be a dedicated career discussion focused on the competencies and skills essential for working in a private sector setting. Whether you’re a student, early career researcher, or seasoned professional considering a shift, this session will provide invaluable insights into what’s needed to thrive in industry.
Networking Opportunities
Throughout the conference, participants will have ample opportunities to interact and forge connections through various events, including a cocktail reception on the first day, a gala dinner on the second day, and daily networking coffee breaks and lunches designed to foster interactions and forge future collaborations.