Prof. Dr. Endrit Kullaj
Two decades’ experience researching sustainable agricultural systems, especially organic farming, conserving local germplasm and climate-resilient horticultural production.
From 2003 – 2010, the main research axis was focused on the biological control of various horticultural pests and diseases (ORGANIC FARMING) following the research topics of the master of since and doctoral studies. To conduct this research, I benefited from skills gained during my stages at the CIHEAM, Italy (sierological and molecular diagnostic methods, in vitro & in vivo propagation, sanitation & certification of fruit trees), Ohio State University, USA (Acarology Summer Program, with Sabelis, Amrine, De Moraes, Welbourn, Ochoa, James, O’Connor).
Improving organic fruit growing in Kosovo and Albania
Funded by: AUSTRIAN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Research Team Leader
Duration: April 2008 – May 2009
Outputs: A 1-year project focused on the promotion of organic fruit growing in Albania; publication of a monograph on organic apple growing; surveys and observations.
Integrated Pest Management” CRSP – Greenhouse Vegetables
Funded by: USAID and VIRGINIA TECH (USA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: 2005 –2009
Outputs: Expertise on IPM and biology greenhouse vegetables
Population genetics of a highly invasive insect pest
Funded by: SEE-ERANet Pilot
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: April 2008 –May 2009
Outputs: Application of molecular biology techniques for the characterisation of Cameraria populations.
Dissemination of technical assistance for the implementation of methodologies for the production of organic products (PAB)
Funded by: EUROPEAN COMMISSION, INTERREG IIIA
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2005 – December 2006
Outputs: Preparation of an Action Plan for Organic Farming in Albania on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture; diagnosis of current development of organic agriculture in Albania, interviewing many stakeholders; building consensus on policies to support further development.
I have extended my research area to include also policy research in sustainable agricultural development as part of an International PhD on Political and Social Sciences at the University of Bologna, entitled “International Cooperation and Sustainable Development Policies”, Research Area: “Economy, Agriculture and Environment”, with a thesis entitled “Organic Farming Policies for a Sustainable Development of Rural Albania”. I have spent a research stage with Nicolas Lampkin at the Organic Centre Wales, Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK. Many recommendations from my research were included in the Action Plan for Organic Farming in Albania, Agricultural Strategy and Rural Development Strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture. I have also lectured courses and tutored foreign students from Balkans on organic agriculture at specialisation courses, summer schools and Second Degree Masters (2007, 2008, 2009) in Sustainable Development of Agricultural and Rural Area organised by the University of Bologna. Even in this field of research I have published about 16 out of 100 publications mainly related to organic farming policies, environmental impact of agricultural practices, use of agricultural waste for energy production, etc., including two scientific monographs from AV Akademikerverlag GmbH & Co. KG.
BiomAlba: Analysis and Feasibility Study of a Biomass chain {R-18}
Funded by: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, ALBANIA and MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ITALY
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Research Team Leader
Duration: January 2008 – December 2010
Outputs: Project in partnership with University of Bologna focused on the feasibility of establishing a biomass chain in Albania.
Professional Development for a Sustainable Development of Natural Resources {R-03}
Funded by: EUROPEAN COMMISSION, TEMPUS
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: June 2006
Outputs: preparation of course lectures and publications on organic fruit (apples, cherries, plums, grapevine, olives) growing, promoting agriculture and rural development; promoting and delivering trainings on organic fruit growing and marketing among the stakeholders of fruit value chain.
During the same period, a parallel research axis was the collection, evaluation and promotion of local fruit and grapevine germplasm, especially looking for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Combining my knowledge on pests and diseases of fruit trees and in the same time embracing into the pre–breeding of fruit crops, the research activity was focused on the evaluation of autochthonous fruit germplasm, varieties and wild relatives, particularly screening for resistance to key pests and diseases. Here I used both phenotyping and genotyping methodologies, using skills gained during research stages at INRA, France (genetic analyses, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, use of GeneMapper, genetic barcoding, etc.), Department of Fruit Trees and Woody Plant Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy (scab resistance screening in greenhouse, controlled hybridisation procedures, pollen analysis, fingerprinting protocols for genetic characterisation; QTL in molecular fruit breeding), Centre of Research and Experimentation in Agriculture ‘Basile Caramia’, Italy (grapevine genetic characterization, grape breeding experiments and on the use of an ampelometric/carpometric software). Member of Malus/Pyrus Working Group of ECPGR, Chairman of Working Group on Fruit & Vitis for South East Europe (SEEDNet), coordinator national and regional (South Eastern Europe), Member of EUCARPIA (European Association for Research in Plant Breeding), etc.
Cost Action: East-West Collaboration for Grapevine Diversity Exploration and Mobilization of Adaptive Traits for Breeding (GRAPENET) {R-25}
Funded by: EUROPEAN COMMISSION, TEMPUS PROJECT
Co-ordinated by: University of Milan
Role: Researcher
Duration: November 2010 – November 2014
Outputs: Analysing and sharing available information on grapevine genetic resources research (characterization, evaluation); molecular characterization (fingerprinting) of most valuable genetic resources of Albania and Kosovo and compare them to the pool of the already known genetic resources; develop common advanced research standards; develop phenotyping methodology; establish core collections and conduct association genetics studies for correlations between genetic diversity and important traits such as resistance and berry quality; develop a strategy with defined priorities for action for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of grapevine genetic resources.
Screening the viral health status of the local Vitis germplasm of Kosovo and Albania (RESFAN) {R-24}
Funded by: RESEARCH COOPERATION AND NETWORKING BETWEEN AUSTRIA, KOSOVO AND THE WESTERN BALKAN REGION
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Research Team Leader
Duration: May 2013 – July 2014
Outputs: Evaluation of the local Vitis vinifera germplasm of Kosovo and Albania by assessing their level of resistance/susceptibility to GFLV; verification of the presence in the Kosovar and Albanian territory of new strains of the virus; establishment of a collection of local Kosovar and Albanian genotypes at BOKU for mapping their genetic resistance and for an eventual inclusion of such new resistances in breeding projects; drafting an GFLV Monitoring and Management Plan, in collaboration with the relevant ministries of KO and AL, for containment of GFLV in view of marketing planting material between Balkan countries.
Expanded plantings and documentation of native fruits and nuts at the Agricultural University of Tirana {R-22}
Funded by: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), NATIONAL RESOURCE GERMPLASM LABORATORY
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Coordinator
Duration: August 2011 – August 2018
Outputs: Coordination of the collection of wild relatives of fruit trees and conservation at the gene-bank description and inventory; drafting inception, mid-term and final reports along with other project documentation; coordination of a team of 5 experts as well as identification and mobilisation of 10 short term experts; fostering agricultural extension, in particular within the native fruits and nuts sectors.
Identification of resistance to pathogens in Albanian genotypes of apple and pear and its genetic-molecular characterisation {R-19}
Funded by: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, ALBANIA and MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ITALY
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Research Team Leader
Duration: January 2008 – December 2010
Outputs: Project in partnership with University of Bologna focused on assessing the level of susceptibility/ tolerance of local apple and pear germplasm to main diseases and molecular characterisation of sources of resistance with markers.
Study and evaluation of the local grapevine germplasm {R-17}
Funded by: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, ALBANIA and MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ITALY
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2008 – December 2010
Outputs: A 3-years project of great relevance. My task was molecular and ampelometric characterisation of grapevine varieties.
South East European Development Network on Plant Genetic Resources” (SEEDNet) Project {R-16}
Funded by: SWEEDISH DEVELOMENT AGENCY (SIDA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: National Coordinator of Regional WG for Fruit Trees and Vitis Genetic Resources
Duration: 2005 – 2009
Outputs: Develop & implement projects and activities [inventorying, collecting, ex situ and on farm conservation, characterisation and evaluation, documentation & information]
European Cooperative Programme for Crop Genetic Resources Networks (ECPGR) Project {R-15}
Funded by: BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Country Representative at the Malus/Pyrus Working Group
Duration: 2006 – 2009
Outputs: Ensuring the long-term conservation and facilitating the increased utilization of plant genetic resources in Europe.
Survey of autochthonic plum varieties (Prunus domestica) with regard to inventory, collection, identification and description in the WB countries {R-14}
Funded by: SEEDNet (SIDA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: National Coordinator and Key Researcher
Duration: 2007 – 2009
Outputs: Identification, sampling, collection and characterisation of main autochthonous plum varieties in Albania.
Establishment of a National Gene Bank for Fruit Trees, with Satellite Clonal Archives and Resource Farms in Albania {R-13}
Funded by: SEEDNet (SIDA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Coordinator
Duration: 2007 – 2009
Outputs: A national project with the involvement of all stakeholders for fruit genetic resources to establish a national system of their conservation.
Survey of autochthonous apple populations in the area of South-East Europe {R-12}
Funded by: SEEDNet (SIDA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: National Coordinator and Key Researcher
Duration: 2007 – 2009
Outputs: Identification, sampling, collection and characterisation of main autochthonous apple varieties in Albania
Integrated project for the valorisation of typical local products {R-09}
Funded by: EUROPEAN COMMISSION, INTERREG IIIA
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2006 –July 2008
Outputs: Provision of expert knowledge on clonal selection of stone fruit autochthones varieties of Albania and assessment of susceptibility/ resistance of local stone fruit varieties to PPV and other pests.
Identification, conservation and characterisation of Vitis vinifera ssp sylvestris germplasm in the Region of South East Europe {R-06}
Funded by: SEEDNet (SIDA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: 2007 –2008
Outputs: Identification and characterisation of Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris populations in the SEE region, genetic characterisation, ampelometric description and mapping.
Enhancement, sanitation and production of local vines and wines (VARIPROVIT) {R-05}
Funded by: EUROPEAN COMMISSION, INTERREG IIIA
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2005 – December 2007
Outputs: Research on the biology of grape; molecular characterisation using SSR and AFLP to be carried out in Italy; ampelometry; promotion of grapevine value chain both at macro level and meso level, improving capacities of farmers, farmers groups, SMEs and processors on economic analysis, marketing strategies and cost-benefit analyses; support and coordination of agricultural extension strategies, aimed at increasing technology and innovative production methods awareness among value chain actors (i.e. SMEs, farmers, processors, etc.)
Current situation of chestnut in the north-east of Albania and its future development trends {R-02}
Funded by: MOUNTAINOUS AREAS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (MADA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2004– December 2004
Outputs: Conducting quantitative questionnaires and qualitative face-to-face interviews with selected chestnut harvesters to analyse potential and challenges of chestnut production and value chain in Tropoja region; publication of policy recommendations aimed at improving chestnut production and quality.
Current situation and perspective development trends of viticulture in the districts of Berat and Skrapar {R-01}
Funded by: MOUNTAINOUS AREAS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (MADA)
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2004– December 2004
Outputs: Conducting quantitative questionnaires and qualitative face-to-face interviews with selected grapevine growers to analyse potential and challenges of grapevine production and value chain in Berati region; publication of policy recommendations aimed at improving grapevine production and quality.
After 2010, as the CLIMATE CHANGES are drastically affecting agriculture productivity and genetic resources, I have focused my research on sustainable and climate–resilient horticultural production. I focus on the effects of the environment on fruit tree physiology with the aim to develop new strategies to improve water use efficiency, while maintaining production quality and yields, in conditions of water scarcity and climate change. At the basic research level, I study physiological processes (leaf gas exchanges, water relations, vascular flows, fruit growth) at the basis of yield and quality of the production as well as plant-environment relations and effects of the various abiotic stresses (drought, heat, excessive light) on fruit quality and tree productivity. At the applicative level, I study traditional and precision horticulture strategies aimed at optimizing source/sink relationship, mitigating the effects of abiotic stress and climate change, improving the orchard resource use efficiency (with special focus on water) and developing and using plant-based sensors for monitoring plant physiological status and their implementation in decision support systems. The main species I have been experimenting have been apples and pear, raspberries and blueberries as well as grapevine.
In this recent research field, I’m using the skills on instrumentation and modelling gained during the research stage at the Fruit Tree Architecture and Microclimate Team at INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, with Marc Saudreau and Pierre-Eric Laurie as well as at EMS, Brno, Czech Republic with Jiri Kucera. In particular, I have participated at the Plant Environmental Physiology Group (PEPG) Techniques Workshop in Lisbon (Portugal) organized by the Society for Experimental Biology on “Environmental Field Techniques for Scaling Molecular Physiology to Leaf and Crop Canopy”. I have received demonstrations of key field and lab techniques on (i) leaf-level processes including photosynthetic gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence (imaging), water status and hydraulic conductance; (ii) canopy processes including stable isotopes, monitoring canopy development/Leaf Area Index, IR thermography and soil water/nutrient status; (iii) theory and practice of long-term monitoring under field conditions, including micrometeorology, eddy covariance, and remote sensing methodologies. Leading scientists as lecturers and instructors from Oxford, Cambridge, Essex, Sheffield, Illinois, Manchester.
COST Action “Fruit tree Crop REsponses to Water deficit and decision support Systems applications” (FruitCREWS) CA21142 {R-29}
Funded by: COST ACTION (EUROPAN COOPERATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)
Co-ordinated by: University of Bologna
Project partners: very large consortium of universities, producer groups, software and irrigation companies
Role: Partner and Member of Management Committee
Duration: September 2022 – September 2026
Outputs: identifying the most useful physiological parameters to quantify drought stress using cost-effective and user-friendly sensor tools; comparing and assessing the performance of existing models to quantify plant water needs under drought, for possible implementation in decision support systems (DSSs); defining the most effective (deficit) irrigation strategies for different crops and environments; identifying gaps for improving existing DSSs based on the knowledge generated by the network, while taking actions to facilitate their diffusion among stakeholders and adoption by end-users.
Testing soil biodegradable mulching films at the Experimental and Didactical Farm of AUT {R-28}
Funded by: BASF SE
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Project Coordinator
Duration: April – October 2022
Outputs: Conducting trials to test to experimental grades against a commercial grade at the Didactical and Experimental Farm of the Agricultural University of Tirana, using instrumentation like tensiometers and soil temperature sensors in a on field vegetables to compare between mulched and not-mulched variants.
Farm typology as a tool for the identification of best agricultural and economic practices and for drafting support policies {R-26}
Funded by: MINSTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2019 – April 2021
Outputs: Conducting interviews with various stakeholders in identifying best agricultural practices and recommend policies for support
Studying the carbon balance of apple rootstocks and trees under high radiation and high temperatures {R-23}
Funded by: EXCELLENCE FUND FOR RESEARCH, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Coordinator
Duration: May 2012 – July 2013
Outputs: Quantitative assessment of the physiological stress of apple rootstocks and trees due to cultivation under a high radiation – high temperatures regime; real-time adaptation of cultivation techniques (esp. fruit thinning) depending on short- and long-term climate changes based on a carbon balance model; computation of fruit temperature dynamics and its influence on fruit quality using a 3D model of fruit temperature.
Study of apple rootstocks under the conditions of ecosystems of Korça, Dibra and Lushnja: production of nursery plants for intensive and super-intensive orchards {R-21}
Funded by: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, NATIONAL AGENCY FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2010 – December 2014
Outputs: Studying the ecophysiological behaviour of different rootstock/scion combination, sap flow measurement, affinity of various combinations rootstock – scion, etc.
Evaluation of some biotechnological methods for the improvement of growth indicators and shortening the time for entry into production of vegetable seedlings under unfavourable soil and cultivation conditions {R-20}
Funded by: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE, NATIONAL AGENCY FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Co-ordinated by: Agricultural University of Tirana
Role: Researcher
Duration: January 2010 – December 2014
Outputs: assessing the role of different growth regulators in rooting of vegetables; quantification of phytohormones and their role in development of grafts.