Research Network PalmerNET. Unity makes strength

Abstract

PalmerNET is a Research Network (RED2022-134285-T), financed by the Agencia Española de Investigación, to fight against Amaranthus palmeri (A. palmeri) S. Wats., an invasive weed species established in Lleida, Huesca and Extremadura, with the ability to evolve herbicide resistance. Under the leadership of researcher Joel Torra, the Agrotechnology Research CERCA Centre (Agrotecnio) and the Universitat de Lleida (UdL) have started PalmerNET, where three other universities participate, namely the Universidad Pública de Navarra, the Universidad de Vigo and the Universitat Politècnica de València, and three other research institutes namely the Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria de Aragón (CITA), the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias of Madrid (INIA-CSIC) and the Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX). A total of 25 people, including researchers, professors and PhD students, integrate PalmerNET. The net will promote the collaboration and research between these research groups to understand and contribute to containing the spread of this invasive weed, and disseminate the available knowledge regarding this worrying crop protection problem. During the period of the network PalmerNET (from 2023 to 2025), several activities will be undertaken, like technical seminars with the sector, periodic meetings of the net members, and the creation of a web page. This network will foster cooperation between the participating members to reach a global view of the problem and join research and action efforts.