OPTILEG

OPTILEG aims to optimize the legumes interactions with beneficial soil microorganisms to promote protein production at low input levels (fertilizers and pesticides) for an environmental-health co-benefit. Pea and lentil, two major sources of protein for human consumption in France, are the main targets. Mobilizing knowledge accumulated on symbioses and beneficial microbial interactions over the last 20 years, this multi-disciplinary project addresses different levels of organization (from the cell to the cropping system) for its finalized objective. Progress in genetics and genomics, agronomy, and human nutrition feed this innovative holistic approach with multiplescale strategies bearing the ambition to accompany agroecological and food transitions via the increase of plant proteins in food.