Point of contact at UniTrento
prof.ssa Ilaria Pertot (coordinator)
prof. Michele Perazzolli
prof. Gerardo Puopolo
Greta Brussi (PhD student)
Point of contact at FEMdr. Damiano Gianelle
dr. Gino Angeli
dr. Urska Vrhovsek
dr. Daniele Prodorutti
dr. Claudia Longa
The cluster develops innovative and sustainable strategies for crop protection and soil biological fertility, supporting the transition toward low-impact and resilient agricultural systems. The goal is to reduce reliance on synthetic plant-protection products and fertilizers by understanding plant-microorganism-pathogen-environment interactions and translating this knowledge into practical solutions.
Research topics are emerging, including invasive plant pathogens, soil microbial health degradation, and climate-driven disease risks. Particular focus is placed on beneficial microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agroecological practices.
The methodologies are based on the integration of microbiology, biotechnology, omics technologies, and modelling, combining laboratory studies, controlled-environment experiments,s and field trials. Advanced molecular diagnostics and predictive models support early detection and optimized decision-making.
The expected outputs are biofungicides, biostimulants and biofertilizers, soil management protocols, early diagnostic tools and decision-support systems, to strengthen sustainability, crop resilience and collaboration with farmers, cooperatives and biocontrol companies.
Research lines:
- Molecular plant-microorganism-phytopathogen-environment interactions.
- Development and optimization of biological crop-protection products (microbial biocontrol agents, microbial consortia, microbiome manipulation, plant extracts).
- Implementation of agroecological practices.
- Preservation and regeneration of soil microbiological fertility.
- Characterisation of phytopathogen populations, epidemics and resistance mechanisms.
- Molecular diagnostics and predictive models (DSS) for sustainable plant protection.