Sant Feliu de Guíxols hosted the 12th edition of the Rosaceae Genomics Conference, from May 6 to 9, bringing together international experts in the genomics of rosaceous plants. Over four days, participants worked together to tackle major global challenges affecting the production of rosaceous plants, such as climate change and emerging pests and diseases.

Organized by IRTA researchers at CRAG, the congress served as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering scientific collaboration. The more than two hundred attendees enjoyed talks, poster presentations, and discussion sessions that highlighted the latest advances in genomics and biotechnology.

The main goal of the congress was to disseminate the latest knowledge in various fields. During the four days of the congress, scientists exchanged information in areas such as pangenomics, which studies genetic diversity within a single species, and the resistance of rosaceous plants to biotic stresses, such as pests and diseases, and abiotic stresses, such as water scarcity or high temperatures. The reproduction of plants to obtain new varieties through classical crosses and genetic editing techniques like CRISPR, a technology currently under debate for its regulation in the European Union, was also discussed.

The congress conveners, Maria José Aranzana and Iban Eduardo, along with the rest of the CRAG Rosaceae Genetics and Genomics research group, emphasized: “This congress has been a unique opportunity to share knowledge and establish new collaborations that will allow us to tackle future challenges with greater strength and innovation.”

The success of this edition allows the Rosaceae Genomics Conference to continue establishing itself as a key event for the scientific community specializing in the genomics of rosaceous plants.