Introduction to BOOSTER Project

County Kerry headquartered biotech firm BioAtlantis is part of the EU-funded BOOSTER project, focusing on advancing genetic and biostimulant approaches to promote climate-smart agriculture. With a budget of €4.9 million under Horizon Europe, BOOSTER involves 14 organisations worldwide, aiming to enhance drought tolerance in maize and teff while investigating the transferability of drought-responsive traits across crop species.

BioAtlantis' Role in BOOSTER

BioAtlantis' involvement builds on its reputation as a disruptor in the European biotechnology sector. They focus on delivering environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to crop growers worldwide. BioAtlantis will develop novel technologies to improve drought tolerance in maize and teff cereal crops, utilising 'Plant Biostimulant products' and 'Molecular Priming' technologies derived from natural compounds sustainably sourced from marine and terrestrial sources.

Overall Aim of the BOOSTER Project

The aim is to improve drought tolerance in maize and teff, exploring the potential for transferring species-specific drought-responsive features. By exploiting natural genetic variations and developing plant biostimulants, BOOSTER aims to develop new varieties of drought-tolerant agricultural crops.

Two strategies will be implemented:

1. Identification of genomic variants in regulatory regions functionally associated with drought tolerance.
2. Development of 'Molecular Priming' technologies from seaweed and microbial-based biostimulants for improving drought resilience.

The strategies will be tested in two cereals with different degrees of responsiveness to drought: European maize and Ethiopian teff.

Consortium and Partners

The BOOSTER consortium comprises a highly qualified team represented by European and international academics and industry partners. Project partners and associated partners are listed, including institutions from the USA, South Africa, Ethiopia, and more.

For more information about the BOOSTER project, visit the project website or contact research@bioatlantis.com.