Plant Pathology

Research themes and Projects

detection and morphological/biochemical/molecular characterization of plant pathogens (viruses, viroids, bacteria, fungi and Oomycetes, phytoplasmas) in pre- and post-harvest;
mechanisms of host-pathogen and pathogen-vector interactions;
microbiota and rhizosphere microbiome in relation to biotic or abiotic factors;
selection, identification and characterization of phytopathogenic or 'beneficial' bacteria;
development and validation of molecular diagnostic methods;
phylogenesis and population studies of plant pathogens;
evaluation of the efficacy of fungicides, natural substances and antagonistic microorganisms;
phenomena of resistance and basic sensitivity to fungicides in pathogen population;
development of biological and integrated control strategies by using antagonistic microorganisms, natural substances and resistance inducers;
development of innovative diagnostic and forecasting methods.