Laboratory of Plant Pathology
The research activity is focused on various aspects of plant pathology such as etiology and diagnosis of plant diseases as well as on the study of the tritrophic interaction plant-pathogen-biocontrol agents by using transcriptomics and functional genomics. The research deals with diseases of important crops such as pome and stone fruits, vine, olive tree, cereals and vegetables, in the field, plant nurseries and post-harvest.
The research group collaborates with national and international scientific institutions and with companies of the agri-food sector for applied research. It also coordinates and/or participates in regional, national and international research projects. The research group has published numerous scientific publications in international scientific journals as well as patents of industrial interest.
Main research lines:
- Application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) and natural substances against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria;
- Elucidation of the mechanisms of action of BCAs for the optimization of their activity by applying transcriptomics and functional genomics in the study of the tritrophic interaction plant-pathogen-BCA;
- Development of biocontrol and integrated management strategies for the control of plant diseases caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens;
- Ecological surveys and monitoring of BCAs with morphological and molecular methods for assessing their activity in operative conditions;
- Risk assessment of mycotoxins in vegetable products;
- Application of BCAs for the control of mycotoxigenic fungal pathogens and for the reduction/degradation/detoxification of mycotoxins by using transcriptomics and functional genomics.
Plant Pathology Team
Postdocs
Dr. Davide Palmieri
Dr. Domenico Vitullo
PhD students
Dr. Antonia Barberio
Dr. Cecilia Miccoli