International event: experts from around the world in Pisa to discuss recent advances on plant senescence, a complex, genetically programmed phenomenon that affects plant longevity, yield and crop quality in agricultural systems

It concludes Friday, July 19, at the Sant'Anna School, the biennial International Symposium on Plant Senescence, which brings together participants from around the world to discuss recent advances in science in different aspects of plants and their organs (leaves, flowers and fruits): aging, crop senescence and biological stress research, including post-harvest induced senescence. This year's Symposium was organized by Antonio Ferrante, professor of Horticulture and Floriculture at the Institute of Plant Production, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, in collaboration with the Georgofili Academy and the Society of Italian Horticulture (SOI).

Senescence is a complex, genetically programmed phenomenon that affects plant longevity and influences crop yield and quality in agricultural systems. Understanding the process of plant senescence is essential for improving agriculture and increasing agronomic plant yields.

Agronomists and biologists at the conference will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating senescence and how the senescence process can then be manipulated to achieve desirable outcomes, such as making crops more resistant to abiotic stresses or improving post-harvest crop quality. A number of other innovative aspects involving this complex phenomenon will also be addressed.