Laboratory Projects
Sponsor Status
- Research Project (FNRS) - Deciphering Plant Phosphooxylipins
The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of the biosynthetic pathways, subcellular localization and biological functions of a little-studied class of plant metabolites, the phosphooxylipins (POLs). POLs are phospholipids containing at least one esterified oxidized fatty acid chain, and belong to the family of esterified oxylipins, along with arabidopsides. While free oxylipins are widely studied compounds with important functions, the biological roles of esterified oxylipins, and POLs in particular, remain undetermined. The study of these molecules is of great interest because esterified oxylipins are increasingly found in different taxa, suggesting that they may be ubiquitous plant metabolites. Moreover, the production of these molecules, and of POLs in particular, is induced in plants under stressful conditions (wounding, infection by Pseudomonas syringae, ...). It has therefore been suggested that POLs may be involved in plant responses to stress.
- ARES Research and Development Project (PRD) - Essential oils
The project aims to characterize the power of essential oils to preserve stocks and guarantee food security. The management of post-harvest losses using essential oil-based biopesticides is envisaged for sustainability and food security in Senegal and West Africa.
- RESSAC project
The project aims to study the agroecological intensification of shifting cultivation systems for the promotion of food security in the peri-urban forest areas of Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Amorce Project (ARES) Burundi
The aim of this research project is to formulate a biological product of microbial origin to fertilize the soil and improve plant health and growth - with a view to moving towards more efficient and sustainable agriculture in Burundi.
- Cofund
Cofund enables the study of allelopathy induced by competition between a weed and a crop. This project aims to deepen knowledge of induced allelopathy, from the identification of the molecules involved in this phenomenon to how they are perceived by the plant and which metabolic pathways are impacted as a result of their perception.
Partner Status
- FNRS research project (PDR)
This research project aims to study multitrophic molecular interactions between plants, rhizobacteria and insects, as well as the effects of fatty acid elicitors on plant defense mechanisms.
- PHENIX (ERDF)
The ambition of the Digibiocontrol project is to strengthen the Walloon biocontrol ecosystem by interconnecting the digital world (applications, sensors, robots, etc.) and the world of biological control of plant predators through three pillars: innovation, training and entrepreneurship.
- Adopt IPM (Horizon 2020)
ADOPT-IPM aims to develop, optimize and implement tools and technical itineraries for integrated pest management (IPM packages), and ultimately reduce farmers' dependence on conventional chemical pesticides.
- CONSERWA (Horizon 2020)
This project supports the transition to agroecological weed management in different farming systems and European regions. It aims to develop new bio-herbicides to reduce the use of chemical products in agriculture, and to promote environmentally-friendly solutions.
- EOHUB project (Erasmus+)
The EOHUB (European Hub on New Challenges in the Field of Essential Oils) project, supported by Erasmus+, promotes European specialization in the essential oils sector. It brings together higher education institutions, research centers and technology companies to provide training and support for young scientists working in the field of essential oil entrepreneurship, innovation and conservation.LipoilThe aim of the Lipoil project is to optimize an essential oil-based herbicide formulation to improve its composition and make it more selective for Home & Garden use.
- Amorce project (ARES) in DR Congo
The synergy project developed by the University of Liège, the University of Kinshasa and Cap Santé aims to strengthen the capacity of local players to promote solutions adapted to the context of energy insecurity, as well as the development of agricultural products in DR Congo.
- MICROBoost project (FoodWal)
The ambition of the MICROBoost project is to develop innovative and sustainable approaches based on human, animal and plant microbiota to boost the nutritional, functional and organoleptic quality of foodstuffs.
- ExtraBark project (Valbiom)
ExtraBark is an Interreg Grande Région project which aims to develop and validate innovative, industrializable solutions based on the use of bark (under-utilized co-products available in large quantities in the project region) for the extraction of high value-added molecules. Two application sectors will be investigated as a priority in view of current environmental challenges: plant protection and wood materials.
