International Workshop The Fruit Microbiome: A New Frontier |
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Conveners:
Michael Wisniewski – USDA-ARS-AFRS
Samir Droby, ARO, The Volcani Center
September, 9 -13 The National Conference Center Leesburg, Virginia, USA
The workshop, sponsored by BARD, USDA-ARS, and ARO, is designed to bring together researchers and bioinformaticists to explore current microbiome research can be used to inform studies directed at the suppression of postharvest decay organisms, and also identify epiphytic and endophytic microorganisms that can be used to minimize and suppress the colonization of harvested produce by foodborne human pathogens. It will also explore the potential impact of the microbiome on fruit physiology and tolerance to abiotic stresses. A portion of the workshop will be dedicated to the use of microbiome data to develop products that are based on the use of microbial consortia supplemented with plant-derived products, such as protein hydrolysates, to manipulate both fruit physiology and postharvest diseases. The workshop will facilitate the interchange of information among leading scientists and commercial companies active in the development of microbiome-based products for sustainable agriculture.