As part of Springer Nature's SDG Talks series, we are delighted to invite you to an engaging discussion on the hidden microbial communities living on our food crops and their potential role in shaping more sustainable and resilient food systems.
🌱 Beyond Nutrients: How Plant Microbiomes May Shape the Future of Food
This webinar will feature Marco Giovannetti (University of Turin, Italy), who will present recent findings published in Environmental Microbiome demonstrating that the physical characteristics of lettuce plants can have a greater impact on leaf-associated bacterial communities than genetic variation itself. The talk will also explore how these microbial communities may influence the broader food system and contribute to our understanding of plant and human health.
In addition, Marco will discuss Citizen Salad, an innovative citizen-science initiative that has engaged more than 100 volunteer growers across Italy in investigating how plant varieties and growing environments shape the microbiome of edible crops. By combining cutting-edge research with public participation, the project offers a unique perspective on the future of food and sustainable agriculture.
đź“… Wednesday, 23 September 2026
⏰ 15:00–16:00 CEST (GMT+2)
Register here: https://cassyni.com/events/CRdy9CJEoRCVDtZuCb2tub
The event will be chaired by Valeriana Ramondo and Eleana Pegg and will conclude with a live discussion and audience Q&A session.
What will be covered?
- How plant traits influence microbial communities living on leaves
- The concept of the "edible microbiome" and its relevance to human health
- New insights from lettuce microbiome research
- The Citizen Salad participatory science project
- The role of microbiome research in supporting more sustainable food production systems
Speaker
Marco Giovannetti is Associate Professor at the University of Turin, Italy. His research focuses on plant–microbe interactions, with particular emphasis on plant microbiomes, root genetics, and mycorrhizal symbioses. His work aims to advance sustainable crop management through a deeper understanding of the relationships between plants and their associated microbial communities. He is also actively involved in citizen-science initiatives that bring research closer to the public.
Can't join us live?
No problem. The webinar will be recorded and made available to everyone who registers for the event so that you can watch it at your convenience.
This is a great opportunity to explore cutting-edge research on plant microbiomes, sustainable agriculture, and the future of food production.