Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security
the chairs
Dear Plant Scientists,
We are thrilled to announce an international conference organized by Plants (an open-access Q1 journal), to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 31st through April 2nd, 2025. This global event, under Plants 2025: From Seeds to Food Security, is significant as it will bring together plant scientists worldwide to discuss and share their latest research and findings. The world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, just 25 years from now. This calls for a more concerted effort by scientists to increase agricultural production to feed the growing population and maintain a sustainable agroecosystem while increasing crop yields and quality. Also, preserving waterways from contamination due to excessive use of agrochemicals (herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers) and maintaining and increasing forest cover are essential issues. This conference addresses these topics through keynote talks and seven different sessions for presenting innovation and prospects for the future.
As we know, the existence of people is related to the existence of plants, whether they are crops, forests, or wild species. We hope to cover several key areas over the three days of the conference, so we will get the most current scientific discoveries presented by scholars from around the world and discuss the topics addressed. There will be oral and poster presentations, with poster presenters given an opportunity for a 2-minute flash talk before each poster session.
We will have seven main themes at this conference, where presenters can make their scientific discoveries known. Session 1 will deal with plant responses to abiotic stress and climate change; Session 2 will be on plant-microbe interactions; Session 3 on emerging technologies in plant health; Session 4 on emerging technologies in plant breeding; Session 5 on emerging technologies in biotechnology and molecular research; Session 6 on seed technologies and seed enhancement; and Session 7 on plant nutrition.
The conference organizers look forward to having experts in the field deliver keynote talks and invite other experts, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and anyone interested in plant research and innovation to attend this conference. They expect world researchers to convene and meet in small groups or roundtable discussions to develop future collaborations to advance plant research.
The conference will be held in Barcelona, a picturesque city where scientists worldwide can unwind and enjoy Spanish culture, food, and the seaside. We, the conference chairs, look forward to welcoming you to Plants 2025 in Barcelona.
Prof. Dr. Dilantha Fernando, Editor-in-Chief of Plants
Professor Dr. Fermin Morales, Section Editor-in-Chief of Plants
Professor Dr. Oscar Vicente, Section Editor-in-Chief of Plants
Follow the conversation on X with #Plants2025
Conference Secretariat
Ms. Raquel Sellés
Dr. Laura Perez
Mr. Cédric Spinnler
Dr. Ana Sanchis
plants2025@mdpi.com
Meet the Event Chairs
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadlineDec 22, 2024
- Abstract acceptance notificationJan 22, 2025
- Registration end dateMar 24, 2025
- Conference Dinner Registration start dateSep 01, 2024
- Conference Dinner Registration end dateMar 23, 2025
- Early bird registration deadlineFeb 14, 2025
- Regular registration deadlineMar 24, 2025
Meet Our Speakers
Prof. Dr. Saman Seneweera
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka;
Professor Saman Seneweera is the Chair of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology at the University of Ruhuna's Faculty of Agriculture. He is a leading expert in climate change biology, with a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His pioneering research focuses on the effects of rising CO2 levels, water scarcity, and temperature changes on plant physiology, positioning him at the forefront of global agricultural sustainability efforts. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Ruhuna, Professor Seneweera pursued a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology at the University of Western Sydney. His early work on photosynthetic carbon metabolism under elevated CO2 conditions laid the foundation for his subsequent research addressing the impact of climate change on global food and nutrient security. Professor Seneweera has held prestigious academic positions worldwide, including roles at the University of Melbourne, the University of Southern Queensland, Australia and Tohoku University -Japan. He was also director of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, one of the premier research institutes In Sri Lanka. Professor Seneweera has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, with an h-index of 49, and is recognised among the top 2% of scientists globally. His leadership extends to mentoring over 40 PhD students and securing over $10 million in research funding, significantly advancing agricultural practices and policies. His contributions continue to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and global food security
- S1. Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change
- S2. Plant–Microbe Interactions
- S3. Emerging Technologies in Plant Health
- S4. Emerging Technologies in Plant Breeding
- S5. Emerging Technologies in Biotechnology and Molecular Research
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
Media partner
Poster Session A
-
Posters: A1 – A30
-
Tuesday, 1 April 2025 | 13:30–14:30, 16:30–16:30
-
Posters should be set up on Tuesday morning and must be removed by 19:00 on the same day.
Poster Session B
-
Posters: B1 – B31
-
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 | 10:30-11:00, 13:30-14:30
-
Posters should be set up on Wednesday morning (before 9:00) and must be removed by 16:00 on the same day.
Guidelines:
- Please print your poster before the conference and bring it with you. We will not provide on-site printing services or print it for you in advance.
- Posters should not be hung up or taken down during sessions with ongoing presentations. Please do so only during breaks, before sessions begin.
- Each presenter will be provided with a vertical poster board. Note that the maximum poster size is limited to A0: 84 x 120 cm / 33 x 47 in (width x height) in vertical orientation (portrait).
The list of posters, along with the poster numbers, titles, and presenting author, can be found below. Please contact us if the poster presenter's name is incorrect in this list (last updated on 6 March 2025).
By clicking on the button below, you can view and download the list of posters.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia and is Spain's second-largest city, with a population of over one and a half million people.
Located on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, this city has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to Roman times. The fruitful medieval period established Barcelona's position as the economic and political center of the Western Mediterranean. The city's Gothic Quarter bears witness to the splendor enjoyed by the city from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
The 20th century ushered in widespread urban renewal throughout Barcelona, culminating in its landmark Eixample district, which showcases some of Barcelona's most distinctive Catalan art-nouveau, or modernista, buildings. The Catalan Antoni Gaudí, one of the most eminent architects, designed buildings such as La Pedrera, the Casa Batlló, and the Sagrada Família church, which have become world-famous landmarks.
In 1992, Barcelona gained international recognition by hosting the Olympic games, which brought about a massive upturn in its tourism industry. For visitors, this has translated into the very modern yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century, where new elements work to both preserve and celebrate the city’s heritage and origins.
Barcelona has plenty of outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums, and churches. The city is also very walkable, with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations.
Travel
Barcelona is a vibrant and accessible city with excellent transportation links. Whether you're arriving by plane, train, or other means, there are convenient options to reach your destination. Below, you'll find detailed guidance to ensure a smooth journey to the conference venue.
By plane:
The international airport of Barcelona, Barcelona-El Prat, is located 10 km from the city center. It is well connected to major airport hubs in Europe and various locations worldwide. For more information about the airport and flights, please visit the official website: https://www.aena.es. Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options to reach the venue:
-
By train: Take the TRAIN R2 NORD (https://rodalies.gencat.cat). Disembark at Barcelona Sants station. From there, you can either take METRO L5 (get off at Diagonal) or a taxi, available just outside the station. The train from the airport costs EUR 4.60, and the metro costs EUR 2.55. Tickets can be purchased at train stations and metro stops, respectively. A taxi from the station to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 10.
-
By metro: Take LINE L9 (https://www.tmb.cat), which connects Barcelona Airport (both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the city. Disembark at Collblanc station, and from there, transfer to METRO L5 (get off at Diagonal). The metro from the airport costs EUR 5.50, and the city metro costs EUR 2.55.
-
By taxi: Taxis are readily available just outside the arrivals area. A taxi from the airport to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 30–35. Alternatively, VTC apps like Bolt and Cabify also operate in Barcelona and might offer more competitive rates.
By train:
Barcelona Sants is the city's largest train station, providing rail services for Barcelona, the rest of Spain, and international destinations. For more information about the station and train services, please visit the official website: https://www.renfe.com. Once you arrive at the station, you have the following options to reach the venue:
-
By metro: Take LINE L5 (https://www.tmb.cat) and get off at Diagonal.
-
By taxi: Taxis are available just outside the station. A taxi from the station to the conference venue costs approximately EUR 10.
Accommodation
We want your stay in Barcelona during the conference to be as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, we have agreed on a discount with several hotels to make your choice of accommodations easier. Please book your accommodation online and contact the hotels directly with any issues or requests related to accommodation bookings.
We are delighted to announce that the following hotels will offer a discounted price for all Plants 2025 attendees:
Hotel |
Description |
How to book |
 |
A 3-star boutique hotel located next to the emblematic Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia, the city's most chic shopping area and just 5 minutes on foot from the conference venue. The hotel has a terrace with an outdoor swimming pool and gym, parking, a restaurant, and a museum room dedicated to the Catalan illustrator Ricard Opisso. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 5% discount code ‘MDPI’.
|
 |
Stay in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district at the Catalonia Diagonal Centro hotel, just a 1-minute walk from the conference venue. Located next to Passeig de Gràcia and close to the city's Modernist architecture route, the hotel offers excellent connections to various public transport options, making it easy to explore Barcelona for both tourism and business. |
Click below to make a reservation with a 10% discount for Catalonia Diagonal Centro or use the code "CATALONIA10".
|
 |
Discover the fascinating Barcelona, where the modern blends with the historical, and choose the 1881 Barcelona Gran Rosellón Hotel. It is just a 3-minute walk from the conference venue. |
Click below to complete your booking and add the 10% discount code "MDPI2025".
|
These accommodations have been carefully chosen to provide comfort and convenience for our guests while ensuring affordability through negotiated rates. Prepare to make the most of your conference experience with our exclusive lodging options designed to enhance your stay.
Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations
Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register to Plants 2025 and that we are not associated with any hotel agency (other than those listed above). While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with Plants 2025 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.
We are excited to announce that the Conference Dinner will be held at the prestigious Gallery Hotel, located in the heart of Barcelona. Enjoy a delightful evening in a vibrant setting only 5 minutes from the conference venue and next to iconic landmarks such as La Pedrera, Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, and Plaça Catalunya.
Time: 1 April 2025, 20.00h
Location: Gallery Hotel. C/ del Rosselló, 249, 08008 Barcelona
Menu: 60€
Main course options: meat, fish, or vegetarian
Please let us know in your registration your main course preference and any allergies or relevant dietary restrictions.
Join us for an unforgettable dining experience in one of Barcelona's most renowned locations. We look forward to seeing you there!
Participants of Plants 2025 are cordially invited to submit full manuscripts for a dedicated Special Issue in the journal Plants, with a 20% discount on the publication fees. Please note that no other discounts will be applicable.
This Special Issue, titled "Plants 2025—from Seeds to Food Security," will showcase cutting-edge research presented at the conference. It is an excellent platform to share your findings with a broad readership in the plant science community.
Sponsoring
As organizers, we are excited to create an immersive and insightful conference, and we invite you to be a vital part of Plants 2025. Explore our sponsorship opportunities and join us in shaping the future of plant-related research and innovation.
Find the perfect sponsorship package tailored to your budget and desired exposure in our sponsorship brochure. Simply click on the icon below to access it.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email at plants2025@mdpi.com. We appreciate your consideration!
Society Collaboration
Are you part of a society that isn't partnering with the conference? Contact us via email at plants2025@mdpi.com to discuss a possible partnership! Noteworthy detail: Members from partnering societies are granted a 20% discount on all registration fees.