2024: Launch of the PEPR project OPTILEG
OPTILEG is a large collaborative project funded by the ANR 2030 program that involves several members of SymbiPhyt.
OPTILEG proposes to optimize the interactions of legumes with beneficial soil microorganisms to promote low-input protein production (fertilizers and pesticides) for an environmental-health co-benefit. The main targets are peas and lentils, two major sources of protein for human consumption in France. OPTILEG mobilizes multiple disciplines and addresses different levels of organization (from the cell to the cropping system) for its finalized objective. The knowledge accumulated on symbioses and beneficial microbial interactions over the last 20 years, advances in genetics and genomics, agronomy and human nutrition, and the emergence of a dialogue between disciplines for multi-scale strategies are all fuelling an innovative approach whose ambition is to support agro-ecological and food transitions by increasing the share of plant proteins in the diet. Learn more at the official OPTILEG website.