For the first time, the International Symposium on Biotechnological Tools in Horticulture will be held at Macfrut, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable supply chain, taking place at the Rimini Expo Centre from May 6 to 8, 2025. This landmark event, sponsored by the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS) in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences at Marche Polytechnic University, will position Rimini as the world capital of biotechnology applied to horticulture.
The Symposium, coordinated by Silvia Sabbadini, Angela Ricci, Luca Capriotti, and Bruno Mezzetti, will bring together leading global experts in horticultural biotechnology. Over three days, researchers and industry professionals will engage in dialogue, sharing the latest technical and scientific advancements in plant biotechnology. Key topics will include in vitro plant propagation, the development of resilient and high-quality varieties, functional genomics, plant genotyping and phenotyping, and precision breeding technologies such as genome editing and cisgenesis/intragenesis.
In addition to technical discussions, the Symposium will address broader issues, including the social and economic impacts of biotechnology, biosecurity, and public acceptance of biotechnological applications in the fruit and vegetable sector.
According to the Symposium coordinators from Marche Polytechnic University, “Macfrut 2025 provides a unique platform to explore cutting-edge methods and recent breakthroughs in biotechnology. It also offers an opportunity to showcase the collaborative efforts of research groups working with universities, private institutions, and companies to develop sustainable and safe fruit and vegetable production systems. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on external inputs while addressing global challenges such as climate change.”
The coordinators emphasized that biotechnological approaches are essential for tackling complex issues at multiple levels, from studying individual genes to understanding ecosystem interactions. “The Symposium will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering business opportunities, stimulating research, and facilitating the exchange of ideas among experts,” they added.
The event will also highlight global scientific contributions aimed at enhancing the adaptability of cultivated plants to challenges such as water scarcity and pathogen attacks. “Our shared goal is to improve the quality and quantity of fruit and vegetable production by deepening our understanding of gene function and its role in fundamental metabolic processes,” the coordinators concluded.
The Symposium’s program will kick off on May 5 with technical field visits to companies in the Emilia-Romagna region. From May 6 to 8, the main event will take place at Macfrut, featuring dedicated sessions in a specialized exhibition area. The final event will be held on May 9 at the Biotech School of Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, marking the conclusion of this groundbreaking gathering.
Macfrut 2025 promises to be a pivotal event, uniting the global horticultural community to advance biotechnology and shape the future of sustainable fruit and vegetable production.
