Objective Genetic resources of ornamental plants are in general poorly covered by international co-operation initiatives for characterisation and protection of (wild) germplasm. However, a well-considered application of these genetic resources, e.g. in breeding, is the best guarantee for a sustained conservation. This proposal focuses on flowering woody ornamental shrubs from an oriental origin: Rhododendron, Camellia, Hydrangea and Paeonia. These species have a long-lasting tradition of cultivation in their countries of origin and are there national symbols of living heritage. They are integrated in the EU horticultural sector since their introduction 2 centuries ago and are highly appreciated by the EU consumers too. Both in Europe as in the East, research is initiated for these species; however, joint actions are rare because of different reasons (distance, problem of communication, no network).The main objective of this proposal is to re-establish the link between Europe and the East for research about these species. Partners involved cover important ornamental production areas in Europe (Belgium, region of Gent; Italy, region around the North-Italian lakes; France, region of Angers) and focuses on China and Japan as being important for native plant genetic resources and also well established centres of competence for research in flowering woody ornamentals. The exchange program will support to provide common tools for the characterisation and application of interesting plant genetic resources for plant breeding purposes. The study of expressed sequences (EST) as tags for functional genes hooks up this ambition to the current state-of-the-art research in plant sciences.The working program combines 4 WP oriented towards each of the 4 species under study, and WP5 that supports the former by giving a framework to exchange actions (coordination, workshops, trainings), integrating approaches that are generic for all species. Fields of science agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomyplant breeding Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IRSES - Marie Curie Action "International Research Staff Exchange Scheme" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IRSES See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRSES - International research staff exchange scheme (IRSES) Coordinator EIGEN VERMOGEN VAN HET INSTITUUT VOOR LANDBOUW- EN VISSERIJONDERZOEK EU contribution € 113 400,00 Address Burg. van gansberghelaan 92 bus 1 9820 Merelbeke Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Katrien De Bruyn (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO Italy EU contribution € 77 700,00 Address Via giuseppe verdi 8 10124 Torino See on map Region Nord-Ovest Piemonte Torino Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Concetta Chiantia (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DES SCIENCES AGRONOMIQUES, AGROALIMENTAIRES, HORTICOLES ET DU PAYSAGE France EU contribution € 65 100,00 Address Rue de saint brieuc 65 35042 Rennes See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Claudie Lambert (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Total cost No data