ResiPhen

To select resilient varieties, it is necessary to measure “resilience biomarkers,” i.e. variables that reflect the health status of the tree in an integrative and dynamic manner, across a large number of individuals exposed to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. The GAFL unit has already established experimental orchards dedicated to the study of resilience under low phytosanitary input conditions, particularly for peach and apricot trees. Current overall assessments of tree health, which are mostly visual or manual measurements such as trunk diameter, remain sporadic, weakly integrative, and limited in temporal resolution.

To identify robust resilience indicators capable of detecting trees able to sustainably maintain high-quality fruit production despite repeated stresses, we propose to investigate the contribution of innovative physical measurements using imaging, dendrometry, and spectrometry. These measurements will be combined with observations of biotic damage in order to characterize the “disturbances” caused by pests and pathogens on biomarker profiles.

Financier : EUR IMPLANTEUS