Dr. Afroditi Tsampalla, a Principal Researcher at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources within ELGO-DIMITRA in Thessaloniki, Greece, is making strides in sustainable agriculture through innovative plant genetics and water management research. With a PhD in plant genetics and genomics, Dr. Tsampalla has focused her career on developing crop varieties that can withstand environmental stressors, such as drought and nutrient scarcity. Her work emphasizes increasing resilience in crop production, an approach that is essential for achieving long-term sustainability in agriculture.
At ELGO-DIMITRA, Dr. Tsampalla leads several projects dedicated to optimizing water reuse practices in vegetable and crop production. Her research examines how plants respond to treated wastewater irrigation, identifying specific genetic traits that allow crops to thrive with minimal impact on soil and water quality. This knowledge is vital for implementing safe water reuse practices that conserve resources while maintaining high agricultural standards.
ELGO-DIMITRA’s participation in the PRIMA-SAFE project is central to its mission of advancing sustainable agricultural solutions for the Mediterranean. PRIMA-SAFE, a collaborative effort under the Horizon 2020 framework, addresses water scarcity challenges in Mediterranean regions by promoting water-efficient practices and safe agricultural reuse of treated wastewater. Dr. Tsampalla’s research within PRIMA-SAFE contributes directly to these goals, as she works to develop crops that can adapt to reclaimed water irrigation without compromising yield or quality. This focus not only reduces dependency on fresh water but also contributes to nutrient recycling, making it a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.
With support from the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation in Greece, Dr. Tsampalla and her team at ELGO-DIMITRA are pushing the boundaries of plant resilience and water conservation, creating sustainable models for vegetable production that can be replicated across similar regions facing water scarcity. By aligning her research with PRIMA-SAFE’s goals, Dr. Tsampalla is helping to build a sustainable agricultural future for the Mediterranean, where resource conservation and food security go hand in hand.
