The scientific research is still one of the main strong points by ISTA who has always looked at world’s scientific situation as far as genetic improvement and the development of new technologies that can be applied to it are concerned. Also due to the more and more information at a genomic level we are given by the scientific world, the task will be the one of getting superior genotypes, suitable to the different agro-environmental conditions both at a National and a European level, and characterized by an excellent productive performance and by the acquisition of resistance against some of the most important pathogen. Currently, in our laboratory, are ongoing Molecular Assisted Selection projects to select maize inbred lines resistant to Fusarium and to obtain the pyramiding of resistance genes in rice.
The basis for any improvement lies in the genetic background of the plant. Through plant breeding, new genetic combinations within plants and a broadening of their genetic background are possible, enabling them to meet new requirements. ISTA’s researchers have analyzed public and proprietary germplasm in order to assess genetic variability and use it at best in breeding programs. Mutagenesis programs are carried out in ISTA’s laboratory to create new variability in species of interest in order to select new superior genotypes.
For field trails ISTA uses a wide surface as far as the first generations of selection are concerned, while a network of external fields located all over the national territory is used for the evaluation of agronomic and qualitative performances of the new lines in an advanced selection phase and for the detecting of the most suitable agronomic technique for each new product, which enables to elaborate information about the best cultivation technique to be put into effect for the complete valorisation of the genetic potential held in the seed.
ISTA takes advantage of a second growing season in South America, in order to further reduce the time to obtain superior genotypes. In order to upgrade its technologies with key elements of innovation, ISTA cooperates with several Research Institutes, either directly or through research programs.
