On April 16, 2026, a specialized workshop on agroecological practices for sustainable tomato cultivation was held at the Conference Hall of the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT). Organized במסגרת the ASTER scientific project, the event focused on advancing agroecological solutions tailored to tomato production systems, with particular attention to sustainability challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.
The workshop gathered researchers, students, and professionals engaged in sustainable agriculture, fostering a collaborative platform for scientific exchange and applied knowledge sharing. The event opened with the registration of participants, followed by a welcome address from the Director General of INAT and an introductory session led by Sonia Labidi and Sofiène Hammami.
The scientific program featured a series of high-level presentations. A keynote lecture by Prof. Emilio Guerrieri (CNR IPSP, Italy) explored agroecological approaches for the sustainable management of agricultural and forest systems. This was followed by a presentation of the ASTER project results by Ahmed Ghannouchi, a doctoral researcher at INAT, highlighting key findings from the Tunisian research team.
Subsequent sessions addressed practical and research-based strategies for improving tomato crop sustainability. Prof. Massimo Giorgini (CNR IPSP, Italy) presented results from a two-year field study in Southern Italy, focusing on agroecological strategies to manage Tuta absoluta and other pests affecting processing tomato crops. Dr. Besma Sghaier (INAT, Tunisia) discussed the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as a natural defense against Fusarium species, while Ms. May Granier (ATAE, Tunisia) shared practical experiences on crop cultivation in arid zones using mycorrhizal biofertilizers.
The workshop concluded with a general discussion session, allowing participants to reflect on the presented topics and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
This event was organized by a multidisciplinary team including Sonia Labidi, Sofiène Hammami, Besma Sghaier, Ahmed Ghannouchi, Souad Ettlili, Manel Ibrahim, Mariem Belhedi, Ines Sadraoui, and May Granier. It represents a significant contribution to the dissemination of agroecological knowledge and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices within the Tunisian context.
