Funder: Research & Innovation Foundation, Co-funded by EU

Partner: Cyprus University of Tecnology

Project leader in IBISS: Dr. Jovana Petrović, Departmen for Plant Physiology

Project period: 2022-2024

Abstract

Medicinal and aromatic plants are widely used in various branches of industry: they are used for flavoring food and beverages, production of medicines, cosmetics, paints, perfumes, etc. It is estimated that 440,000 tons of raw materials of this origin are produced annually, which has a total value of 1.3 billion dollars. Currently, there is an increasing interest of both industry, science and medicine in medicinal and aromatic plants. This trend is increased due to their biological properties: significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory activities, as well as many others. The OPTIAROMAQ project aims to develop innovative approaches as to improve storage conditions of medicinal/aromatic plants after harvest using different technologies (hydroponics, biofortification), as well as to preserve quality which will be achieved using natural disinfectants. OPTIAROMAQ will focus on nutritional value aspects and high quality products of medicinal/aromatic plants, to enable SMEs as well as farmers to be more competitive in the market. The development of new concepts (biofortification, natural disinfectants) and solutions (formulation of means to preserve the high quality of dried products) will have a long-term favorable impact on the sector of medicinal and aromatic plants because it is in line with the new demands of the market looking for environmentally friendly products.