Salvatore Privitera
PhD
PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science - XXXVII CycleTutor: Giuseppe Ezio Manetto
Membership Section: Mechanics and Mechanisation
- March 2025-today: Research Fellow (settore scientifico-disciplinare AGRI-04/B "Meccanica agraria") at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanization, University of Catania. Research project PRIN 2022 PNRR - “Implementation of a digital tree to optimise technical and environmental performances of crop protection equipment - IMGROOT”. Scientific coordinator: Prof. Emanuele Cerruto.
- 2022-2025: PhD course in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science, University of Catania (Cycle XXXVII). Research project: "Nozzle Spray Quality and Spray Deposition in Agricultural Treatments". Degree awarded on 25/02/2025 and additional Qualification of Doctor Europaeus. Considering the joint agreement (Ministerial Decree n. 226/2021) between University of Catania (Italy) and Federal University of Viçosa (Brazil), the double PhD Degree in Agricultural Engineering was awarded at the Federal University of Viçosa (Brazil).
- 2018-2020: Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology (LM-69), University of Catania; supervisor Prof. Emanuele Cerruto. Title of degree thesis: “Functional control of sprayers in Sicily”. Final mark: 110/110 and praise.
- 2015-2018: Bechelor’s Degree in Land Protection and Landscape Planning (L-21), University of Catania; supervisor Prof.ssa Sabina Iole Giuseppina Failla. Title of degree thesis: “Solar thermal systems: Innovations and Perspectives”. Final mark: 106/110.
- 2015: High School Graduation, Liceo scientifico“Galileo Ferraris”, San Giovanni La Punta (CT). Final mark 82/100.
The research activity is mainly focused on the sustainable distribution of Plant Protection Products (PPPs), aiming to enhance the effectiveness of the agricultural treatments (spray coverage and foliar deposition), reduce the environmental pollution (spray drift, run-off) and minimize the operator's risk (ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure).
In particular, the research activities regarded:
- Characterization of droplet size distribution of agricultural sprays through measurements conducted in laboratory using a low-cost test bench purposely constructed and designed and other image processing (Shadowgraphy) and laser-based instruments (Laser Diffraction method and Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer - PDPA).
- Assessment and study of surface coverage (%) on artificial collectors (Water Sensitive Papers), droplet density (number of stains per square centimeter), and spray deposition on natural targets (orange and olive leaves).
- Evaluation of spray drift potential reduction under controlled environmental conditions, using a wind tunnel capable of generating artificial wind and following the guidelines of ISO 22856:2018 standard.
- Cerruto, E.; Manetto, G.; Privitera, S.; Papa, R.; Longo, D. Effect of Image Segmentation Thresholding on Droplet Size Measurement. Agronomy 2022, 12, 1677. https://doi.org/10.3390/ agronomy12071677.
- Privitera, S.; Manetto, G.; Pascuzzi, S.; Pessina, S.; Cerruto, E. Drop Size Measurement Techniques for Agricultural Sprays: A state-of-The-Art-Review. Agronomy 2023, 13, 678. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13030678.