The Pesticide Metabolomics Group (Laboratory of Pesticide Science, Agricultural University of Athens) est. 2016, leaded by Prof. K.A. Aliferis, is aiming to provide solutions to major issues that the agrifood sector is currently facing, by employing advanced metabolomics and bioinformatics as its main bioanalytical tools.

The agrifood sector is facing a great undertaking that includes the increasing demands for the development of new products that are safer for the environment and the consumers than the already existing ones, exhibitinf improved toxicological profiles and bioactivities.

Within this context, the discovery of new sources of bioactivity (e.g. biocontrols, biostimulants), the development of advanced formulations, the in-depth study of the MoA of biocontrols and biostimulants, the understanding of pest and pathogen resistance to pesticides, could provide valuable information that could be exploited in crop protection. Furthermore, the in-depth understanding of the interactions between plants and fungal pathogens or beneficial bacteria could highlight mechanisms that could be exploited for the development of innovative products that could be implemented in the agricultural practice.

Additionally, our research is focused on the study of food safety (pesticide residues and mycotoxins) and food quality applying metabolomics.

Nonetheless, based on our solid experience in metabolomics and existing infrastructure, we are always happy to assist in projects involving metabolomics analyses.