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publications: Orcid
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Curriculum Vitae
I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technologies at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, and subsequently my Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, with a specialization in Plant Pathology and Entomology, at Wageningen University & Research. During my Master’s studies, I developed two main research experiences.
The first took place at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland, where I gained expertise in the evaluation and application of methods for the biological control of plant diseases, conducting experimental tests on Plasmopora viticola in grapevine and Venturia inaequalis in apple.
Subsequently, I carried out an experimental thesis at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the National Research Council (IPSP-CNR), entitled: “Olive responses to drought and Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca: an integrated physiological, biochemical, and hyperspectral assessment.” This experience allowed me to consolidate skills in phenotyping and molecular diagnostics, deepening the analysis of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Currently, my research activity is focused on the ViroiDoc project – Advanced Research on Viroid Pathogenesis and Control for Agricultural Sustainability- part of an MSCA Doctoral Network. My work concentrates on integrating omics data and phenotyping to understand viroid pathogenesis, comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic infections caused by nuclear-replicating viroids (family Pospiviroidae) and chloroplast-replicating viroids (family Avsunviroidae). In particular, I analyze molecular, epigenetic, and physiological changes induced by viroids, contributing to the definition of sustainable control strategies for these pathogens.