17 19 November 2026
Corsica
5th International Symposium on Citrus Biotechnology
From 17 to 19 November 2026, Corsica will host the 5th International Symposium on Citrus Biotechnology. The symposium is organised by INRAE teams in Corsica and it will bring together the international scientific community in Biguglia and San Giuliano, with a welcome reception in Bastia on 16 November.
An event organised by INRAE teams in Corsica
The symposium is organised by the Genetic Improvement and Adaptation of Mediterranean and Tropical Plants (AGAP) joint research unit (INRAE, CIRAD), under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Sciences (ISHS). It aims to foster scientific dialogue, strengthen international collaborations, and promote innovation within the citrus research community. It is coordinated by François Luro from the INRAE Corsica research centre.
The event will feature plenary lectures by internationally renowned scientists. Researchers from 18 countries and 5 continents will share their work through oral presentations and poster sessions. Discussions will focus on advances in citrus genetics and biotechnology, as well as on the knowledge and tools needed to improve citrus crops in the face of health and environmental challenges. The event will also provide opportunities to develop collaborations among research teams.
Biguglia at the heart of scientific discussions
The scientific sessions and presentations will be held on 17 and 18 November in Biguglia. Located close to Bastia, on the agricultural plain of the Marana, Biguglia is in the heart of Corsica's citrus production. This choice reflects a commitment to connecting scientific discussions with the realities of production in Corsica and highlighting the local roots of this international event.
Welcoming participants in Bastia
The welcome reception will be held on 16 November in the evening at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Bastia. This first gathering, held at an iconic landmark, will open discussions ahead of the scientific sessions in Biguglia. Bastia and Biguglia will both play a part in welcoming this international event to Corsica.
San Giuliano and the eastern plain: connecting research and the citrus sector
On 19 November, participants will explore San Giuliano and Corsica’s eastern plain, at the heart of the production area for the Clémentine de Corse, which holds Protected Geographical Indication status. These field visits will facilitate scientific discussions with professionals in the citrus sector. It will highlight the connections between research, production, and the promotion of citrus fruits.
Visits to packing houses and processing facilities will introduce participants to the different stages of citrus utilisation, from preparing fruit for the market to producing essential oils, fruit juices and products derived from clementine peel. These visits will give researchers practical insight into local expertise and the markets served by Corsican citrus production.
The day will conclude at INRAE’s San Giuliano site with a visit to the Citrus Biological Resource Centre (CRB Citrus), managed by INRAE and CIRAD teams. Home to one of the world’s richest citrus collections, the centre conserves, characterises and makes available genetic diversity that is essential for research and citrus breeding.
This visit will highlight San Giuliano’s role in understanding and preserving citrus diversity, as well as harnessing it for the benefit of the citrus sector. It will showcase research conducted in Corsica, connected to local stakeholders and engaged in international collaboration.
Programme and practical information:
https://citrusbiotech2026.symposium.inrae.fr/