Welcome to the 1st International Symposium on Legume Crops
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 1st International Symposium on Legume Crops organized by the Vegetable Research and Development Station, Bacău, Romania and Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy. The symposium will be hosted by University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, and Romanian Society of Horticulturists, between 15 – 17 September 2027, in Bucharest, Romania.
The 1st International Symposium on Legume Crops dedicated to the remarkable world of food legume species and their expanding role in shaping sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. As global challenges intensify, from climate variability and soil degradation to the growing demand for nutritious food, legumes stand out as a powerful ally in our collective pursuit of ecological balance, food security, and agricultural innovation.
Their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen enriches soils, reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and supports farming systems that are both productive and environmentally responsible. Their extraordinary genetic diversity, spanning minor and major domesticated crops, traditional landraces, and wild relatives, provides a wealth of traits essential for adapting to emerging pests, diseases, and climatic stresses. This diversity is not only a scientific treasure but a strategic resource for breeding programs seeking to develop cultivars that thrive under the conditions of tomorrow.
As we integrate legumes into crop rotations, intercropping systems, and both organic and conventional farming practices, we strengthen the resilience and sustainability of our agroecosystems. At the same time, expanding legume cultivation enhances regional self-sufficiency in plant protein, contributing to healthier diets and more secure food systems.
We invite you to engage actively in the discussions, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping a future where legumes play an even more central role in sustainable development. Together, we can advance the science and practice needed to build productive, resilient, and environmentally sound farming systems for generations to come.
Welcome, and we wish you an inspiring and fruitful symposium!!!
Dr. Creola Brezeanu and Prof. Dr. Elena Bitocchi are the co-conveners and the main organizers of the 1st International Symposium on Legume Crops, a major international scientific event on legumes research and cultivation taking place in Romania. They are dedicated to legumes research, and they have a strong, continuous and fruitful collaboration in frame of different Horizon and ECPGR projects and initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Elena Bitocchi is an Italian plant geneticist at Polytechnic University of Marche, known for her research in biotechnology, plant genetics, biodiversity, and crop domestication. She is member of the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics (SIGA) since 2005, the Italian Society for Evolutionary Biology (SIBE) since 2007, the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) since 2009. She is a member of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).
Dr. Creola Brezeanu is a researcher at the Vegetable Research and Development Station, Bacău Romania, involved in conservation and use of genetic resources. She is the chair of Grain Legumes Working group of ECPGR, one of EVA Legumes Network initiators. She was recently elected as associated member of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu Șișești” (ASAS), and is actively involved in organizing international conferences, meetings and symposia on legumes.
Important note – abstract and paper submission will be done through ISHS ROSA system
The ISHS online membership application form and related information are available at https://ishs.org/members/
* Registration is required to attend all the scientific sessions and social events.
** A certificate confirming the student status must be submitted as a scanned copy to the Symposium Secretariat Office.
The session explores innovative strategies for building and managing plant genetic resource collections that integrate advanced characterization, digital tools, and data driven decision making. Emphasis is placed on enhancing conservation efficiency, improving access and utilization, and strengthening the role of genetic diversity in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
The session highlights emerging directions in legume breeding, from harnessing genomic tools and high throughput phenotyping to improving stress resilience, nutritional quality, and sustainability traits. Discussions will focus on how modern breeding innovations can unlock the full potential of legumes in future food systems, climate smart agriculture, and global protein security.
The session examines innovative approaches for managing agricultural fields in ways that protect soil health, optimize resource use, and enhance long term productivity. Studies on integrated crop management, climate smart practices, soil regeneration strategies, including cropping, intercropping and crop rotaton, the role of technology in reducing environmental impact while supporting resilient farming system are expected
The session explores the nutritional richness of legumes through both traditional dietary uses and emerging food innovations. Discussions will highlight key nutrients, bioactive compounds, and health benefits, alongside modern processing techniques, novel legume based products, and the role of legumes in shaping healthier, sustainable diets for the future.