The Genetics, Biotechnology and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) proudly congratulates Dr. Rabiath Féichokpè Raïssa ADIGOUN on the successful defense of her PhD thesis, earning her a dual doctorate from the University of Abomey-Calavi and the University of Lorraine.
Her research focused on Synsepalum dulcificum, commonly known as the miracle fruit plant, a species native to West Africa that is valued for its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite its potential, the crop remains underexploited due to its slow growth and long production cycle.
Through her doctoral work, Dr. Adigoun explored the diversity of beneficial bacteria naturally associated with the plant and demonstrated their potential to stimulate growth through environmentally friendly approaches. By combining advanced microbiome analysis with innovative bacterial selection methods, she identified promising bacterial strains that could serve as natural biostimulants to support the sustainable production of miracle fruit in Benin.
Her findings provide important scientific foundations for the development of agroecological solutions capable of improving plant growth, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and strengthening the promotion of this high-value indigenous species.
Beyond its scientific contribution, this research highlights the potential of plant-microbe interactions as a pathway toward more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
