Staff
External Personnel
Profile
The National Research Council (CNR) is the largest public research organization in Italy. Among the 109 Institutes belonging to the CNR, the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP) is committed to develop researches on plant protection in agriculture and forestry, targeting different classes of plant pathogens and pests (viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes). Main research focuses include plant response to biotic and abiotic stress factors, mechanisms of resistance and adaptation, implementation of plant health in agriculture and forestry. This implies strengthening the use of natural enemies and beneficial microorganisms in integrated pest management, selecting and recovering valuable plant germplasm, identifying bio-molecules of agricultural or industrial interest, and ultimately promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly growth. The Institute is headquartered in Turin and has 4 geographically distinct Research Units located in Turin, Florence, Portici (Naples) and Bari. Within the project XF-ACTORS, the CNR-IPSP will participate with 3 research groups: CNR-IPSP-Bari, CNR-IPSP-Portici and CNR-IPSP-Turin.
Role in the Project
CNR-IPSP will coordinate the project to guarantee the correct implementation of the activities and the achievement of the objectives (WP 1). Being located at the forefront of the Xylella-epidemics in Apulia, the Bari Unit is coordinating and conducting the main investigations on the biology and genetics of this pathogen and its vector, in order to develop critical information on pathogenicity, biology, and genomics, gathering a new understanding of the evolution of the Xylella-population in the contaminated areas. The Unit of Portici and Turin will contribute on the vector ecology and development of sustainable vector control approaches. The three research groups will contribute to develop diagnostic tools and innovative monitoring procedures for an early surveillance system, whereas standardizing the currently available methodologies (WPs 3-4); provide critical information about the occurrence and bioecology of confirmed and potential vectors of Xf (WPs 5-7); develop innovative tools and sustainable strategies for bacterial control (WPs 2-6); contribute to assess an integrated frame of conventional and organic-based measures for sustainable control of the vector(s) (WPs 6-7); adjuvate the implementation of an expertise for strengthen EU biosecurity plans (WP9). In addition, CNR-IPSP will significantly contribute to promote dissemination activities (WP 10) and increase the project visibility.