Project in brief
This project aims to characterize the microbial uniqueness of the Alpine territory using advanced metagenomic and phylogenetic techniques. By analyzing environmental samples with shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the project seeks to identify unique microbial strains and species specific to the Alpine region. Special focus will be given to understudied fungal biodiversity.
Through comparative genomic analysis and molecular clock techniques, the project aims to understand the diversification and distribution of these microorganisms across different regional areas and conditions, including an altitudinal gradient and selected Alpine wines undergoing spontaneous fermentation. The project has both long-term biodiversity and economic goals, providing valuable insights for conservation management in the face of climate change and industrialization.
Project objectives
- Characterize microbial, particularly fungal, diversity of the Alpine territory
- Identify and reconstruct the genome of yeast involved in spontaneous wine fermentations
- Understand diversification and distribution patterns of these microorganisms across different environmental conditions
Impact
This project contributes to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Alpine region. By defining unique terroirs and understanding the microbial communities associated with them, the project provides valuable information for conservation management in the face of climate change and industrialization. Additionally, it enhances the cultural and economic value of Alpine agriculture by highlighting the importance of identity, cultural rootedness, and irreproducibility associated with unique terroirs.
Funding
This scholarship is funded by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) of the Next Generation EU Fund, specifically allocated for the National PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change at IUSS Pavia.
