ASSOCIATE
aurelio.ciancio(AT)cnr.it
080.5929221
publications: Orcid
personal details and research activity: People
Curriculum Vitae
Plant protection through biological control, invertebrate pathology and rhizosphere microorganisms are the main fields of research. These objectives have been pursued with researches on the antagonists of plant parasitic nematodes, on their biodiversity and ecology and on their potential in sustainable agriculture. The research activity has extended to the biodiversity and pathogenicity of plant parasitic nematodes and their biological management in open fields, studying their population dynamics and the relationships of bacteria of the genus Pasteuria with host nematodes. In this context, he developed non-linear models of the relationships between bacteria, fungi and nematodes in the rhizosphere of cultivated species, identifying the components of these complex ecosystems. He collaborated with research groups in France, Spain, USA and UK on issues related to biological control. Studies and research on the ultrastructure of nematode pathogenic microorganisms have led to the discovery of new species of Pasteuria and other Gram-negative bacteria, new to science and subject to description. He initiated innovative diagnostic applications in the field of phytopathology, developing DNA-based fluorescent probes. In the context of the development of alternative technologies for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes, he afforded the study of the ecology and epidemiology of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia with applications of transcriptomics and metagenomics on crops, at different levels of intensification. These researches are integrated by the study of the ultrastructure and phylogeny of nematophagous microorganisms and by the development and application of innovative industrial formulations. He has been the coordinator of EU and national projects.
Project leader for: Microbial uptakes for sustainable management of major banana pests and diseases