On March 22, 2024, the University of Bologna (UNIBO) hosted a successful online workshop, bringing together 13 key stakeholders from the Microbiomes4Soy consortium alongside external partners. The event saw participation from leading experts across academia and industry, with attendees from Austria, Italy, Serbia, and the USA.
The workshop kicked off with introductions, followed by an informative overview of the Microbiomes4Soy project and a review of the first-year soya bean field experiments. The discussions focused on crucial aspects of the project, including microbiome sampling stages and the selection of soya bean varieties.
One of the primary outcomes of the session was the recommendation to conduct early microbiome sampling during the V1 and V3 stages of soya bean growth. Participants also emphasised the importance of incorporating varieties with unique traits into the experiments and adjusting the field setup to accommodate organic-style management practices for more accurate results.
The workshop concluded with a series of valuable insights, setting the stage for the next steps in refining the field protocols. These discussions will play a key role in advancing the project’s goals and optimising its field methodology moving forward.
