A joint Polish-Italian project for the years 2025–2026 under the agreement on scientific cooperation between the Polish Academy of Sciences and National Research Council of Italy
Title of the project: Effect of fertilization using insect frass on the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Italian rapini
Polish project leader: dr. Magdalena Karamać, InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences
Italian project leader: dr. Luisa Pozzo, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology of the National Research Council (Pisa Unit)
As part of the project, the Polish Academy of Sciences will cover the costs associated with the stay of Polish scientists at the Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology of the National Research Council in Pisa.
Project description:
A compost-like material, known as “frass”, derived from the bioconversion process of low-quality organic waste by insects grown, contains large quantities of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorusand potassium in forms that can be readily assimilated by plants. The aim of this project is: (i) to assess if and at which extent mineral fertilisation could be replaced by insect-frass fertilisation during rapini (Brassica rapa L. subsp. sylvestris) cultivation; (ii) to compare phytochemical profile and health-promoting properties by determining bioactive potential of edible part of the investigated crop grown using innovative fertilisation strategies based on insect-frass products and conventional mineral fertilisation. The knowledge, skills and experience of each partner will allow for carrying out comprehensive research, and the visits financed under the project will allow not only the exchange of knowledge, but also the mutual transfer of practical skills using access to the partners’ research facilities.
