Research Visit to AUA: Collaborative Analysis of Strawberry Samples

As part of InPlasTwin’s ongoing research and capacity-building activities, Dr. Majda Nikezić from the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) undertook a research visit to the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) from 22 June to 17 July 2026. During her stay, she was hosted by Prof. Dimitrios Savvas and his research team, collaborating on the analysis of strawberry samples collected from two complementary experiments investigating the potential effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on strawberry cultivation and fruit quality.

The first experiment was conducted under controlled hydroponic conditions at AUA, involving two strawberry cultivars grown in different substrates, rockwool and coconut coir, with and without exposure to MNPs. The second experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions in Varda, Western Peloponnese, where strawberries were cultivated in soil using three different types of plastic mulching films.

During the visit, researchers from JSI and AUA collaborated on the analysis of strawberry samples to investigate potential differences in fruit quality associated with the experimental treatments. These activities contribute to the broader InPlasTwin research objectives of understanding the environmental fate of agricultural plastics and evaluating their potential implications for crop production and food quality.

The research visit further strengthened scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange between InPlasTwin partner institutions, supporting the implementation of joint experimental activities and the development of research capacities within the consortium.