In this project, three academic institutions of Crete: a) the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), b) the School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University (SAS-HMU) and c) the Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture, Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DEMETER (IOSV – HAO DEMETER) cooperate with the KNE company of the Raidestos Group, in order to set up an interdisciplinary team for the thorough study and development of novel alternative biocontrol methods to manage plant pathogens and induce plant tolerance to salinity in agricultural crops. Intensive farming, the global population increase and the rapid climate change have resulted in the degradation of agricultural soils, the emergence of strains with increased virulence and the advent of novel destructive plant pathogens (eg Xylella fastidiosa in olive etc). In the coming years, these problems will become even more acute in EU countries, due to the imminent restriction in the use of many plant protection compounds (Directive 2009/128/EC). Therefore, alternative strategies for the improvement of crop production with environmental-friendly sustainable methods are urgently needed.