18-21 September 2023
Dear colleagues and friends,
We are very pleased to announce that the 18th EUCARPIA Meeting on Genetics and Breeding of Capsicum and Eggplant will be held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from 18 to 21 of September, 2023.
The meeting is being organized by Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute (MVCRI) in collaboration with the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), both engaged in research on pepper and other Solanaceous crops. Postponed with one year due to the COVID pandemic, the conference will be performed as on-site event. We believe this is the most efficient way for interaction and exchange of knowledge and ideas gained after the last meeting in Avignon, France in 2019. The EUCARPIA Capsicum and Eggplant meeting, 2023 will offer you rich scientific programme, inspirational keynotes, plentiful networking opportunities and social interaction.
Meet your peers and connect with the leading scientists in the field!
The region of Plovdiv, so-called Thracia valley, is known for its long-lasting traditions in growing peppers and creation of unique local forms. As inheritors, it is our obligation to preserve, improve and pass on this wealth to future generations. Since today actions could shape our future, we have chosen HERITAGE as a moto of the 18th EUCARPIA Meeting Genetics and Breeding of Capsicum and Eggplant.
Considered as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest cities in the world, for 8 millennia, Plovdiv has cumulated rich cultural heritage, raised warm-hearted and hospitable people, and has a great, carefree atmosphere to immerse yourself in during your stay.
We, the Organizing Committee, welcome you for an exciting and memorable meeting!
Kind regards,
Ivanka Tringovska
Chair of the local Organizing Committee
| Type | Early bird fee (till 15 May 2023) | Standard fee (16 May - 15 August) | Late and on-site fee (after 15 August) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUCARPIA member* | 440 EUR | 500 EUR | 600 EUR |
| Non-EUCARPIA member | 510 EUR | 570 EUR | 670 EUR |
| Student (PhD or MSc) | 300 EUR | 360 EUR | 460 EUR |
| Accompanying person | 160 EUR | 210 EUR | 310 EUR |
| Additional abstract fee | 100 EUR | - | - |
Registration fees for participants include:
You can register using the “Register Here” button below. Please select the respective language first before proceeding to create a profile and/or register.
Payment can be made by bank card or bank transfer. In case of paying by transfer, it is required to send a proof of payment.
Accompanying person’s (spouses, family members, etc.) registration fee include welcome cocktail, technical visit and conference dinner.
* EUCARPIA members will be asked for their membership number during the process of registration.
Cancellation policy:
Confirmation letter and invoice
An invoice with a letter of confirmation will be sent to participant on receipt of the respective registration and payment.
Abstracts for either oral or poster presentations are welcome. Abstracts should be submitted by clicking on the button no later than 15 March 2023 20 April 2023. 
Guidelines for Abstract preparation
Each author can submit a maximum of 2 presentations (oral or poster) as first author; however, co-authorship, is not affected by this limit. An additional fee of 100 Euro should be paid for each abstract above that limit.
The abstract must be written in English and should not exceed 300 words including the text and acknowledgements (if any).
Author(s) should indicate the preferred type of presentation: oral or poster presentation and the preferred session.
Abstracts that are not properly prepared (according to the abstract preparation guidelines) will be returned to the authors for subsequent revision.
Authors will be notified via email about the outcome of the review process by 30 April 2023 with an acceptance/rejection letter. The authors of all accepted abstracts (in the case of multiple authors, the author designated as the presenting author) must register with an Early Bird fee to be included in the final conference program
Abstracts cannot be corrected or modified after the submission deadline.
Sessions
Please note that the number of sessions and sessions’ titles are still preliminary. Final programme will be elaborated after receiving all abstracts.
Session 1. Genetic Resources
Session 2. Pre-breeding and breeding – agronomic and fruit quality traits
Session 3. Climate change resilience – Breeding for Biotic and Abiotic Stress resistance
Session 4. Integrated Omics – New Tools and Applications for crop improvement
Session 5. Breeding for Ornamental/Urban Gardens and Organic Systems
If you have any questions regarding your abstract, please write to: eucarpia.capsegg.2023@gmail.com.
E-certificates will be sent to all participants within 2 weeks after the end of the conference.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Plovdiv
The main airport for Plovdiv is Sofia airport. Plovdiv has an existing air transport infrastructure, however the current traffic at Plovdiv Airport is pretty low and it operates mainly charter and low cost flights.
From/to Sofia there are many daily buses and trains. Buses heading to Plovdiv operate almost every hour of the day and the bus ride takes less than the train one.
Getting to the venue
The address of Boris Hristov House of Culture is 15 Gladson str.
HOW CAN I TRAVEL WHILE STAYING HEALTHY?
Re-open EU platform (or the App) provides information on the various national restrictions in place, including on quarantine and testing requirements for travellers and mobile contact tracing and warning apps across Europe. The information is updated frequently and available in 24 languages. This should help you plan your travel in Europe, while staying safe and healthy.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Bulgaria has the European Union’s Common Visa Policy as a member country accepting European citizens freely. All non-EU citizens are required to have a passport to enter the EU with the appropriate visas. Conference attendees are personally responsible for making their own visa arrangements. You can find out more about visas at https://www.mfa.bg/en/services-travel/consular-services/travel-bulgaria/visa-bulgaria.
However, if you need an invitation letter, please send a mail to mira@cmebg.com.
MONETARY SYSTEM
The national currency is the Bulgarian Lev. Bank notes of the following denominations are in circulation: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Levs. 1 Euro = 1,95583 BGN.
There are foreign exchange offices and ATMs everywhere in the city. It’s always prudent to carry a little cash, however, in case you can’t find an ATM or bank office nearby. You can always change cash at the hotel, though the commission will be higher.
Make sure you have enough of the national currency when you plan to visit local markets and shops.
TIPPING
When a gratuity is not included in your bill, which is usually the case, 10% is customary. If service is outstanding, you could go as high as 15%. With taxi drivers, you usually just round up the sum if you have been happy with the ride or for the sake of convenience.
CLIMATE
The climate in Bulgaria is moderate continental with beautiful blooming spring, dry and hot summer, long and pleasant autumn, and mild winter with lots of opportunity for skiing.
The weather in the middle of September is still warm, even hot in some days with daily temperature of around 25ºC. The weather in Plovdiv is usually milder and sunnier than the rest of the country.
You may check current weather in Plovdiv HERE.
TIME
Summer time: GMT + 3 hrs. (March through October)
ELECTRICITY
220 Volts, 50 Hz
Bulgaria uses CEE 7/4 (German “Schuko”) power plugs and sockets.
Social Events
Opening Ceremony
Welcome cocktail
Technical tour
Conference dinner
City tour of Plovdiv