Title: Advanced nanomaterials in agriculture under a changing climate

Biography:

Vasileios Fotopoulos is Associate Professor in Structural and Functional Plant Biology at the Cyprus University of Technology. His main scientific research focuses on the study of nitro-oxidative signaling cascades involved in plant responses to stress factors, while emphasis is being given in the development of priming technologies towards the amelioration of abiotic stress factors and promotion of plant growth. To date, he is the author of 68 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals (h-index=30), while he serves as Associate Editor in BMC Plant Biology, Gene and five other journals.

Abstract

Global agricultural production is suffering substantial losses due to climate change-related phenomena such as drought and salinity, which lead to tissue damage and, ultimate, major yield losses. The development of sustainable, ‘green’ technologies is therefore becoming increasingly important. Nanotechnology provides invaluable tools to a variety of industrial sectors. Recent focus has been given to the development and optimization of nanomaterials for application in the agricultural industry towards improved growth, plant protection and overall performance based on their small size, high surface to volume ratio and unique optical properties. This presentation provides an up-to-date description of research activities carried out at the Cyprus University of Technology with the employment of advanced nanoparticles and polymers applied at plant and seed level. This technology offers an attractive alternative to established approaches such as conventional breeding and genetic modification with key advantages, representing a characteristic example of integrative plant physiology where multiple disciplines such as materials science, agriculture and analytical chemistry join forces to develop exciting new tools in modern agriculture.