About the project

BILATERAL PROJECT MOLDOVA–TURKEY

Period: 2025–2026
Project code: WalnutBioProtect, 25.80013.5107.01TR

“Organic agriculture for the innovative protection of new walnut cultivars: valorization of methodologies and technologies”

Applicant: Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection of the State University of Moldova   (IGFPP of SUM)

Funding: The project is funded by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and ANCD (National Agency for Research and Development of the Republic of Moldova).

National Agency for Research and Development (ANCD)

The National Agency for Research and Development (ANCD) is a central public administrative authority subordinated to the Government of the Republic of Moldova, established by Government Decision No. 196 of 28 February 2018. ANCD is the legal successor to the Center for International Projects, the Agency for Innovation and Technology Transfer, and the Agency for Research and Development, all of which were public institutions within the Academy of Sciences of Moldova.  

ANCD is responsible for implementing the national policy in the fields of research, innovation, and development, as well as for coordinating the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and other European programmes. In addition, ANCD coordinates the activity of the Moldovan Office for Science and Technology in Brussels (MOST).

The Agency’s mission is to ensure excellence and performance in achieving national priorities in research, innovation, and development. ANCD provides competitive funding for research, innovation, and technology transfer projects and encourages public–public and public–private partnerships through direct meetings and brokerage events.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK)

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) is Turkey’s national agency responsible for developing policies in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, supporting and conducting research and development activities, and fostering a scientific and technological culture nationwide.

TÜBİTAK formulates scientific and technological policies, manages research and development institutes, and conducts research activities in line with national priorities. It also acts as an advisory body to the Turkish government and serves as the secretariat of the Supreme Council for Science and Technology, the highest policy-making body in science and technology in the Republic of Turkey.

Background and relevance of the research

The walnut (Juglans regia L.), also known as Carpathian, Persian, or English walnut, is a crop cultivated in more than 60 countries worldwide. In the Republic of Moldova, walnut plantations have expanded rapidly since 2000. Globally, there is a growing interest in organic walnut orchards and in walnut production based on sustainable agricultural practices.

Within the research framework, walnut cultivars are evaluated for their susceptibility to major diseases, particularly walnut blight caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis and anthracnose caused by Gnomonia leptostyla (syn. Marssonina juglandis), which affect both leaves and fruits.

Aim and objectives of the research

The aim of the research is to develop innovative methods and technologies for walnut crop protection, with a focus on reducing dependence on chemical pesticides and promoting environmentally friendly solutions.

Project objectives:

• Assessment of the phytosanitary status of walnut plantations;
• Development of technologies for monitoring, forecasting, and protecting walnut trees using environmentally friendly biological products;
• Development and optimization of technologies for the application of biotechnological agents Trihodermin, Rizoplan, Bacillus spp., and Paurin to control harmful organisms in walnut orchards;
• Comparative analysis of oil content in walnut kernels from the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Turkey;
• Comparative evaluation of walnut genotypes based on water-use efficiency, using measurements of leaf CO₂ assimilation, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and leaf temperature, including continuous monitoring;
• Dissemination of knowledge on biotechnologies for walnut orchard protection through the creation of a dedicated website showcasing best practices, thematic social media pages, and the development of an online marketing strategy.