On the 14th of November 2025, participants of the Smarties.bio seed company Open Day had the valuable opportunity, after visiting the company’s production fields, to closely observe the brassica populations developed within the COUSIN project.

The visit was guided by Prof. Ferdinando Branca of the University of Catania, who provided expert insights into the work carried out so far. Alongside him were technicians, nurserymen and farmers, all contributing with questions and their perspectives to the discussion.

Throughout the presentation, the group examined the different lines and breeding materials on display, taking time to analyse their characteristics, performance, and potential applications in agricultural systems. Particular attention was given to the rationale behind the composition of the genetic material used in the project. This included an in-depth explanation of the decision to perform crossbreeding with wild relatives of brassica species. Such crosses are strategically undertaken to enhance resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses, an increasingly important goal in the face of climate change and the rising threat of pests and diseases.

In addition to stress tolerance, another major focus discussed was the improvement of the nutritional profile of the plants, as well as the sweet taste of the crops. Through targeted breeding, researchers aim to boost antioxidant content, thereby increasing the functional value of the resulting varieties. These enhancements not only support plant resilience but also contribute to the development of healthier, more flavourful, and more robust crops for consumers.