On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest invites you to take part in two events regarding various solutions for the development of a sustainable agriculture.
- Research and development platforms for sustainable and resilient crops growing in Morocco, delivered by Kamal ABERKANI, PhD, from the Multispectral Faculty of Nador, University Mohammed Premier, Morocco.
- Endophytic Fungi and their PGP Criteria Towards Sustainable Agriculture, delivered by Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem (Zemo), PhD, from the Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University and visiting professor at the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB).
The event will take place starting with 14:00 (EET), in an hybrid format, at the Rectorate of the University of Bucharest, in the Administrative Council Room (90 Panduri Street, Bucharest, 1st floor) and online, here.
Details about presentations and speakers
Research and development platforms for sustainable and resilient crops growing in Morocco
Drought and abiotic stress caused by climate change has affected the agriculture and crops productions during the last decades especially in the Mediterranean area. During the last year, Moroccan growers suffered from water scarcity, high salinity temperature levels. Area of crop production was reduced during the last years. Different research and development platforms were conducted at large scale production of vegetables, fruit trees and cereal crops and with local growers. Different sustainable solutions were applied such as plant breeding, biostimulants, digital tools and other methods in order to increase crops resilience for this current situation affecting the agriculture sector in this Mediterranean area.
Prof. Kamal ABERKANI (PhD) was born in Morocco, in 1981 and he is Moroccan and Canadian. He completed his study on Agronomy at Laval University, Quebec, Canada (2000-2004), From 2004 until 2009, he continued his master and Ph.D on plant science at the same University in collaboration with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Harrow, Ontario. From 2010, he continued working with many multinational companies in R&D on plant production. In 2015, he got his position as Professor at Faculty of Science and Technics, Al Hoceima, University Mohammed Premier (UMP). Since 2018, he is professor at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador (UMP). Dr. Aberkani focused his research on plant production and physiology. He is a partner in many national and international research projects such as EU and Canadian projects.
Endophytic Fungi and their PGP Criteria Towards Sustainable Agriculture
Endophytic fungi are fascinating microorganisms that live inside plant tissues without causing harm, and they play a vital role in promoting plant health and growth. These hidden partners contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient uptake, producing growth hormones, and helping plants tolerate stress conditions like drought, salinity, and pathogens. The plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of endophytic fungi—such as phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)—make them natural allies for improving crop productivity while reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Understanding and harnessing these beneficial fungi can pave the way for more eco-friendly and resilient farming systems that support both crop yield and environmental health.
Prof. Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem (Zemo), PhD, is a full professor of mycology at Suez Canal University, Egypt, and a visiting professor at the University of Bucharest (ICUB). He is also an affiliated fellow at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry in the University of the Free State, South Africa. Founder and president of the Arab Society for Fungal Conservation and AfriMA, he serves on the IMA Executive Committee and the IUCN Fungal Conservation Committee. Abdel-Azeem established several national and regional mycology networks and many fungus days. His research focuses on fungal ecology, taxonomy, endophytes, biodiversity, and conservation. He has led 15+ major projects and published over 130 papers, 70 chapters, and 19 books.
SECŢIUNE ACCESIBILIZATĂ PENTRU PERSOANELE CU DIZABILITĂŢI DE VEDERE
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