ASSOCIATE
slavica.matic(AT)cnr.it
011.397.7916
publications: Orcid
personal details and activity: People
Curriculum Vitae
As part of the LODICAM project, my research activities focus on the development of innovative, rapid, and sustainable diagnostic tools for the early detection of Erysiphe corylacearum, the causal agent of the newly emerging hazelnut powdery mildew, recently reported in Piedmont.
The approach combines two complementary and advanced techniques: on one hand, a rapid and cost-effective molecular diagnosis based on the LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) technique, and on the other, a non-destructive diagnosis using Raman spectroscopy. Both methods are designed for direct field application in Piedmont’s hazelnut orchards, enabling early detection of the pathogen without the need for specialized laboratories.
The integration of these technologies allows for faster diagnostics, enabling timely assessment of environmental infection risk and contributing to more efficient and targeted disease management. Furthermore, monitoring the spread of E. corylacearum using these tools will support the identification of new outbreaks, providing concrete assistance for the adoption of sustainable control strategies and containment of the pathogen within the region.
Moreover, as part of the GRAPE AI project, I will provide support as a consultant by supplying images of plants infected with Flavescence dorée and its insect vectors. I will also contribute to the tagging of images acquired by drones, in order to support the training of Artificial Intelligence models for disease prediction.
Project Leader for: