In December, researchers from the Agri-Explore and Value Plant consortia met for a joint winter retreat at the Heide campus in Halle. The one-day meeting brought together early-career and senior scientists to exchange results, discuss methods, and align perspectives across projects. Both consortia are funded by EU Structural Funds (ERDF), and the retreat reflected the shared aim: connecting fundamental plant science with applied questions in agriculture.
The program opened with a set of focused scientific talks from the Value Plant consortium. Martin Schattat presented work on engineering plant guttation fluid as a source of secondary metabolites, highlighting an unconventional interface between plant physiology and biotechnology.
Marvin Behnke followed with an update on the MAGIC wheat pangenome, outlining how large-scale genomic resources can support trait discovery and breeding.
Sara Wambrauw completed the session with an overview of plant transformation and genome editing approaches that underpin many projects across both consortia.
The second session continued with mechanistic and technology-driven research. Janik Telleria Marloth discussed the role of the transcription factor bHLH57 in maize terpene biosynthesis and its relevance for plant–insect interactions.
Tamara Meckelburg presented the design of edsRNA constructs aimed at protecting honeybees against multiple parasites, linking molecular design with ecological relevance.
Victor dos Santos Silva introduced the microscopy core facility of Biozentrum, emphasizing advanced imaging as a shared resource for collaborative research.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted toward Agri-Explore projects and stress resilience in crops. Marcin Reumann presented findings from the BARLEY-RESILIENCE project, investigating key genes involved in drought tolerance.
Ronja Lindlar discussed the ANIME project, addressing how nitrogen efficiency is associated with metal homeostasis. Ignacio Ysern Fornes provided an update on establishing prime editing in barley, illustrating progress in precision genome editing for cereals.
Niloufar Ashrafi closed the scientific program with an evaluation of (E)-β-caryophyllene production in maize and its role in resistance to western corn rootworm.
The retreat concluded with a joint general assembly. Updates from both consortia were followed by an open discussion on the future direction of the projects and the role of retreats as a platform for exchange.
Overall, the winter retreat demonstrated how coordinated funding through ERDF enables complementary projects to work at the interface of molecular biology, genomics, ecology, and crop improvement, while creating space for direct scientific discussion and long-term networking within and between the Agri-Explore and Value Plant communities.
Next joint retreat is scheduled for March 10th 2026.
