Biotechnology for crop defense against biotic and abiotic stresses: Genome editing; Identification of key elements of the plant immune response triggered by biotic and abiotic signals; Study of the transcriptome and metabolome reprogramming in complex interactions between microorganisms, plants, pathogens and insects; Identification of novel biopesticide; RNA interference for pest control; Epigenetic regulation in crop adaptation and stress responses; Identification of QTLs and candidate genes for the accumulation of antioxidants in tomato fruit and their interaction with environmental stresses; Selection of beneficial microbes and their natural substances able to increase plant endogenous defenses; Biochar and plant pathogens. Plant and algae genomes: understanding mechanisms and significance of doubling plants genomes; Development of highly efficient genomic selection models in tomatoes; Genomic analysis of algae and plants for both basic and applied studies. Food microbiome: Evolution of the microbiome during the production of fermented foods; Influence of the microbiome residing in food processing environments on the quality of food products, organic farming and microbiome. Human microbiome: modulation of the intestinal microbiome and its activities through diet; Influence of the microbiome on health; comparative genomics of microorganisms of interest to human health. Biotechnology for the environment: microbial ecology and biodiversity of agro-environmental ecosystems; Identification and use of single strains or microbial consortia useful for bioremediation, bioenergy and recovery of organic waste. Biotechnology for crop production: selection of beneficial microbes and their natural substances useful for the improvement of agricultural production. Studies and application of single strains or microbial consortia also used in combination with the plant to evaluate their role in bioremediation