Filenews 29 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
A new page for the primary sector of Cyprus opened on Friday, December 18, 2025, with the official inauguration of the Strategic Infrastructure "PHENOTYPOS" at the Tochni Experimental Station. This is a cutting-edge investment that promises to shield Cypriot production against the climate crisis, transforming the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) into a regional innovation center. Through these projects, the packages of the primary sector strategy concerning the utilization of innovation and the adaptation of agriculture to climate change are essentially implemented.
The "PHENOTYPOS" infrastructure is not just another research facility. It is a point of reference for agricultural research and innovation in our country, an open knowledge platform that integrates innovative and smart technologies, such as sensors and cameras, real-time data transmission networks, online access, viewing and analysis of data, utilizing machine learning models for the production of knowledge in plant species. Clear goal: to transform scientific knowledge into practical and workable solutions for agricultural people.
The infrastructure, funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), is a smart platform with high throughput. Through sensors, cameras, and machine learning (AI) models, scientists can now monitor in real-time how plants respond to extreme conditions, such as drought and increased salinity, without damaging them.
In her greeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment underlined that "PHENOTYPOS" is not just a research facility, but a tool for survival. "In an environment characterized by rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, this infrastructure will allow us to select varieties adequately adapted to the new conditions," the Minister stressed.
At the same time, he noted that this strategic move will help farmers optimize the use of water and fertilizers, reducing costs and environmental footprint.
From Lab to Field: Three Pilot Studies
The Director of ARI explained the importance of "mass phenotyping", which allows the rapid processing of data from a large number of plants. By the end of 2026, the infrastructure will focus on three key programmes:
Cyprus carob: Selection of genotypes with resistance to lack of soil moisture.
Honeycomb varieties: Production of high-performance feed under conditions of water stress.
Fortified vegetables: Evaluation of arugula and lettuce to reduce nitrates and increase nutritional value through selenium which will increase their nutritional security and value.
The project is the fruit of a broad partnership. Under the coordination of the ARI research team, the University of Cyprus, the CUT, the Frederick Research Center, as well as the innovative private companies CYRIC, Allion and Atlantis collaborated.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to support the operation of the infrastructure even after the completion of the project, hosting it permanently at the Tochni Experimental Station. "PHENOTYPOS will act as a pole of attraction for European research networks, upgrading the prestige of our country on the international scientific map," he noted.
He concluded by stressing that the "PHENOTYPOS" infrastructure will be a key tool for the development and evaluation of new innovative technologies, capable of supporting farmers and enhancing the competitiveness of the primary sector.
