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In
Natural Solutions for Agriculture in Cyprus
A bi-communal workshop on mycorrhizal technology in Cyprus
Over 60 people
from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities attended the
four-day workshop that
took place on 21-24 June 2004. It was organized by AKTI- Project and
Research Centre and
supported by
the Bi-communal Development Programme, which is funded by USAID and
UNDP and executed by UNOPS.
The workshop
brought together scientists, farmers, representatives of civil
society and civil servants concerned with a sustainable future for
farming, mining and forestry in Cyprus.
The workshop
began with lectures by experts from the Europe and the Middle East
who described the immense ecological role of these underground
fungal networks, which connect together entire plant communities.
Mycorrhizae provide plants with otherwise inaccessible minerals from
the soil, protect them against soilborne diseases, soil pollution,
and even against drought. The network of fungal threads binds the
soil together in such a way that retains more nutrients, moisture
and even prevents erosion of soil and desertification in arid
climates. The discussion then turned towards potential applications
of mycorrhizal technology in Cyprus. In particular, mycorrhizae can
help re-vegetation of environments that are extremely hostile to
plants, such as abandoned mines, areas which are severely eroded,
very arid, or even where the soil is too salty. Organic Agriculture
was mentioned as one of the main beneficiaries of mycorrhizae, which
can often be used instead of fertilisers and pesticides.
The workshop
included a laboratory demonstration as well as a bus tour to sites
where mycorrhizal technology could be useful, including a copper
mine and an organic field.
By the end of
the workshop, delegates expressed their interest to develop a
strategy for applying this environmentally-friendly technology in
Cyprus, which could provide Cypriots with a cleaner environment and
healthier food. In the words of Miroslav Vosatka, one of the invited
experts, mycorrhizae are a "life insurance policy" for plants
against present and unforeseen dangers.
Click for the workshop programme.
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