AGROBIOFLO: natural compound-based agrobiochemicals for flowering control in fruit trees
AGROBIOFLO investigates natural nitrogen-based compounds found in Prunus species as novel agrobiochemicals or biomarkers to improve flowering time control in fruit trees. The research aims to replace or enhance existing agrochemicals used to overcome bud dormancy, offering more sustainable alternatives for orchard management and crop yield optimization.
Overview
AGROBIOFLO is a research program focused on identifying natural compounds that can serve as new agrobiochemicals or biomarkers to regulate flowering time in fruit trees, particularly Prunus species. The project addresses a long-standing challenge in fruit production: overcoming flower bud and lateral bud dormancy. For over 30 years, agrochemicals such as cytokinin analogs, dinitro-o-cresol, potassium nitrate, and hydrogen cyanamide have been used to break dormancy and improve flowering, but their specific metabolic mechanisms remain unclear.
The project leverages the fact that Prunus species naturally contain nitrogen-based compounds, including prunasin in vegetative parts and amygdalin in seeds. By investigating whether these natural compounds can act as agrobiochemicals or as biomarkers for existing agrochemicals, the research aims to develop more targeted, sustainable solutions for flowering control.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Untargeted metabolomic, transcriptomic, small RNA, and epigenetic analyses of Prunus species treated with commercial agrochemicals
- Identification of natural compounds significantly modified by agrochemical treatments
- qPCR validation of genes responsible for biosynthesis and degradation of candidate compounds
- Testing of naturally available compounds across multiple varieties and species
- Validation of candidate genes in model plants including Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana
Key outcomes targeted:
- Discovery of new natural agrobiochemicals for dormancy breaking and flowering regulation
- Identification of biomarkers to improve the efficiency of existing commercial agrochemicals
- Mechanistic understanding of how agrochemicals affect plant metabolism
Technology readiness level
The research is at an advanced validation stage. Agrochemical treatments and associated untargeted metabolic and qPCR analyses have been conducted over three to four years. Current efforts focus on repeating experiments across additional varieties and species to broaden the dataset. Future validation includes testing easily accessible natural compounds in more varieties and species, and beginning gene validation work in model plant systems.
About Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) is Spain’s national public research organization and the country’s largest R&D institution, with a nationwide network of institutes across major innovation hubs. Many labs are co‑located with universities, hospitals, and science parks, giving partners plug‑and‑play access to advanced facilities, pilot‑scale capabilities, and testing services. Industry collaborates through contract research, sponsored development, and shared core facilities, with pathways into multi‑site European consortia. Research is supported by competitive European programs and Spain’s national funding agencies. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spin‑off formation to accelerate commercialization.
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