PROSPER Celebrates One Presentation & Two Research Awards at the 20th Panhellenic Conference of Plant Breeding
The PROSPER project participated in the 20th Panhellenic Conference of Plant Breeding, held in Serres, Greece, from 7 to 9 October 2026, showcasing its contribution to climate-resilient agriculture and celebrating two awards received by young researchers involved in the project.
The conference, organised under the theme “The Role of Plant Breeding in Innovation, Resilience and Sustainable Development of Agriculture,” brought together researchers, plant breeders and industry representatives from across Greece to exchange scientific knowledge and discuss innovative approaches to sustainable agricultural development.
Highlighting the Potential of Orphan Legumes
Assistant Professor Eleni Tani, from the Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry at the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), represented PROSPER with an oral presentation entitled “Addressing Climate Variability: Exploiting Orphan Legumes within the Framework of the PROSPER Project.”
During her presentation, Dr Tani introduced the project's main objectives and scientific approach, emphasising the potential of underutilised legume species to support agricultural adaptation to climate variability, enhance crop resilience and contribute to sustainable food production.
The presentation also provided an opportunity to increase PROSPER's visibility within the Greek scientific and agricultural communities and encourage further cooperation among researchers, institutions, plant breeders and other relevant stakeholders.
Particular emphasis was placed on potential collaborative activities, including the exchange of genetic material, joint field trials and the organisation of workshops with other funded research projects.
Double Recognition for PROSPER's Young Researchers
One of the highlights of PROSPER's participation was the recognition of two scientific posters presenting early results from project-related research activities. Both posters received awards, demonstrating the quality and relevance of the scientific work being carried out.
🥇 First Prize – Research on Greek Cowpea Landraces
Panagiotis Viliotis and colleagues received first prize for their poster entitled:
“Evaluation and phenotypic characterization of twenty (20) Greek cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) landraces from different regions of Greece.”
The research focuses on the evaluation and phenotypic characterisation of Greek cowpea landraces, contributing to a better understanding of their diversity and potential value for future plant breeding activities.
🥈 Second Prize – Grass Pea Resilience Under Water Stress
Athina Motsenigou and colleagues received second prize for their poster entitled:
“Grass pea and climate variability: searching for the most resilient genotypes under water stress in controlled conditions.”
This research investigates the response of grass pea genotypes to water stress under controlled conditions, aiming to identify promising genetic material for further investigation in the context of climate-resilient agriculture.
Advancing Research and Collaboration for Sustainable Agriculture
The recognition received at the conference highlights the contribution of PROSPER's young researchers and reinforces the importance of investigating underutilised legume species as potential resources for more resilient agricultural systems.
Beyond the scientific awards, participation in the conference offered an opportunity to communicate PROSPER's objectives, exchange knowledge with the wider plant breeding community and explore potential synergies with other research initiatives.
Through its research activities and collaborative approach, PROSPER aims to advance the valorisation of orphan legumes, support biodiversity and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices capable of addressing future environmental and food security challenges.
The PROSPER consortium warmly congratulates Panagiotis Viliotis, Athina Motsenigou and their research teams on these achievements and thanks Assistant Professor Eleni Tani for promoting the project's mission and strengthening its connections with the scientific community.
