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D087 - SISTEMI AGRO-ALIMENTARI E FORESTALI MEDITERRANEI


Adriano BIONDO

Tutor: Prof. A. Galati

Co-Tutor: Prof. Vrontis

Research Interests:

  • Innovative technologies in the viticulture and olive-growing Italian sectors
  • Digitisation of the Italian agrifood sector
  • Analysis of European and national policies to favour digital transition in the agricultural sector
  • Definition of ICT-based communication strategies

Angelo BUSCAGLIA

Tutor: Prof. V. Farina

Co-Tutor: Prof. G. Sortino

Research Interests:

  • development, application and effects of new postharvest technologies on physiology,
    quality and shelf-life of fresh whole and fourth range fruits

 

Rosaria CIOTTA

Tutor: Prof. M. Iovino

Co-Tutor: Prof. M. Crescimanno

Research Interests:

  • Soil physical properties
  • Thermal and hydraulic behaviour of artificial substrates for green roof
  • sustainable materials to be used in extensive green roof

Simona CONTI

Tutor: Prof. E. Peri

Co-Tutor: Prof. P. Bella

Research Interests:

  • Chemical ecology
  • Behavioural ecology
  • Integrated pest management
  • Plant-insect-microbe interactions 


Irene DOLCE

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. Vasileios Englezos, Prof. A. Alfonzo

Research Interests:

  • Food and wine microbiology

Guido LA SALA

Tutor: Prof. V. Farina  

Co-Tutor: Prof. D. Neri, Dott. G. Gugliuzza

Research Interests:

  • Study of intercurrent relationships between tropical fruit species and the use of
    multifunctional networks in the Mediterranean environment

 

Fabiana MANCUSO

Tutor: Prof. L. Sabatino

Co-Tutor: Prof. S. La Bella

Research Interests:

Giulio PERRICONE

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. Debeaufort, Prof. Maggio, Prof. A. Alfonzo

Research Interests:

  • Food microbiology

 

Salvatore RIZZO

Tutor: Prof. T. La Mantia

Co-Tutor: Prof. E. Badalamenti, Prof. De Silveira

Research Interests:

 

Faryadi SAMIRA

Tutor: Prof. A. Bonanno

Co-Tutor: Prof. A. Di Grigoli

Research Interests:

 

Kete SEZIN

Tutor: Prof. G. Migliore

Co-Tutor: Prof. V. Borsellino

Research Interests:

Carmelo TALMI

Tutor: Prof. R. Di Lorenzo

Co-Tutor: Prof. A. Pisciotta

Research Interests:

  • Development and evaluation of new seedless varieties for table grapes, buddormancy
  • Training systems and planting density
  • Eco-physiology
  • Fertigation and irrigation strategies
  • Postharvest storage and quality management
  • Climate change
  • Sustainable viticulture practices
  • Management of biotic and abiotic stresses in table grape cultivation

 

Davide ALONGI

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca 

Co-Tutor: Prof. G. Moschetti

Research Interests:

  • Food microbiology

Francesco ANDOLINA

Tutor: Prof.ssa G. Lo Verde

Co-Tutor: Prof. V. Farina

Research Interests:

  • Tropical Plant Protection
  • Integrated Tropical Pest Management
  • Biological Control
  • Ecology

Serena BELLITTI

Tutor: Prof. V. Farina

Co-Tutor: Dott. L. Franco

Research Interests:

  • Tropical and subtropical fruit crops
  • Tree crop physiology
  • Precision irrigation for sustainable water management
  • Monitoring the water status of the plant using precision devices
  • Fruit quality

Giacomo BELVISI

Tutor: Prof. R. Scalenghe

Co-Tutor: Prof. F. Saiano, Prof. L. Settanni, Prof.ssa A. Marchese

Research Interests:

  • Soil science
  • Genetic
  • Soil organic carbon
  • Data mining
  • Remote sensing
  • Biodiversity

Monica DI MARIA

Tutor: Prof. D. Planeta

Co-Tutor: Prof. P. Conte

Research Interests:

  • Chemical-physical analysis in different olives and olive oil
  • NMR relaxometry
  • Innovative techniques for analyzing olive oil
 

Giacomo GARGANO

Tutor: Prof. D. Giambalvo

Co-Tutor: Dott. R. Ingraffia

Research Interests:

  • Agronomy
  • Ecology
  • Global Change 

Mahmood Ul HASSAN

Tutor: Prof. M.Todaro

Co-Tutor: Prof. L. Settanni

Research Interests:

  • Climate Neutral Farming
  • GHG Emissions
  • Use of Agricultural By-products
  • Alternative Feed ingredients
  • Sustainability
  • Ruminant Nutrition
  • Dairy Products Quality

Ettore MADONIA

Tutor: Prof. P. Conte

Co-Tutor: Prof. P. Columba, Prof. P. Lo Meo 

Research Interests:

  • Supramolecolar chemistry
  • Soil chemistry
  • Green synthesys and functionalization of biochar
  • FFC-NMR relaxometry
  • Photodegradation of organic pollutants

Matteo MEZZANO

Tutor: Prof. V. Farina

Co-Tutor: Prof. D. Autovino, Prof. G Sortino

Research Interests:

  • Tropical and subtropical Mediterranean farming
  • Precision irrigation and water management
  • Monitoring the water status of the plant
  • Tree crop physiology
  • Fruit quality

Samira MORADI

Tutor: Prof. P. Inglese

Research Interests:

  • Tree fruit physiology
  • Tree fruits physiological disorders
  • The effect of pre-harvest and postharvest managements on fruit quality
  • Storage technology
  • Fruit packaging
  • Physiological responses to postharvest biotic and abiotic stresses

Riccardo SAVASTANO

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. G. Moschetti

Research Interests:

  • Oenology
  • Polysaccharides
  • Colloids
  • Wine aroma

Lucia TURANO

Tutor: Prof. R. Di Lorenzo

Co-Tutor: Prof. A. Pisciotta

Research Interests:

  • Climate change
  • Sustainable viticulture
  • Biotic and abiotic stresses
  • Characterization and Identification of grapevine biotypes using traditional/new methods
  • Grapevine clonal selection
  • Soil and plant water use
  • Omics technologies

Azzurra VELLA

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. G. Moschetti

Research Interests:

  • Agricultural microbiology
  • Oenology
 

Marco CANICATTI'

Tutor: Prof.ssa M. Vallone

Co-Tutor: Prof. S. Orlando

Research Interests:

  • Precision farming;
  • Sustainable Agriculture; 
  • Remote Sensing

Valentina CRAPARO

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. O. Corona

Research Interests:

  • Agricultural microbiology;
  • Oenology
Alessandro ESPOSITO

Tutor: Prof. F. Vetrano

Co-Tutor: Prof.ssa A. Moncada

Research Interests:

  • Horticulture;
  • Floriculture;
  • Nursery production;
  • Biodiversity;
  • Sustainable agriculture;
  • Biostimulant;
  • Plant growth promoter;
  • Natural extracts;
  • Novel foods

Francesco GARGANO

Tutor: Prof.ssa G. Liguori

Co-tutor: Prof. A. Todaro

Research Interests:

  • Post-harvest fruit physiology;
  • Food quality and safety;
  • Mediterranean species with high nutraceutical interest.

Giuseppe GRECO

Tutor: Prof.ssa G. Liguori

Co-Tutor: Dott. R. Gaglio

Research Interests:

  • Plant physiology;
  • Post-harvest fruit physiology;
  • Agricultural microbiology;
  • Food safety

Claudio MIRABELLA

Tutor: Prof.ssa V. Borsellino

Co-Tutor: Prof. A. Galati, Prof. E. Schimmenti

Research Interests:

  • Social justice and decent work in rural economies;
  • Social Life Cycle Assessment;
  • Distribution of value along agri-food supply chain and value chain strategies;
  • Undeclared work, forced labour and gangmaster system in agri-food production.
Francesco SGADARI

Tutor: Prof. R. Schicchi

Co-Tutor: Prof. M. Bruno

Research Interests:

  • Botany and secondary metabolites of plant

Evgenia SARAKATSANI

Tutor: Prof. A. Cusumano

Co-Tutor: Prof. E. Peri

Research Interests:

  • Plant Protection;
  • Integrated Pest Management;
  • Biological Control;
  • Ecology;
  • Horizon Scanning for Plant Health

Girolamo VACCARO

Tutor: Prof. M. Iovino

Co-Tutor: Prof. G. Baiamonte e Prof. A. Motisi

Research Interests:

  • Precise sustainable irrigation;
  • Soil plant atmosphere monitoring

Enrico VIOLA

Tutor: Prof. N. Francesca

Co-Tutor: Prof. R. Di Lorenzo

Research Interests:

  • Food and Wine Microbiology;
  • Fruticulture;
  • Agricultural Economics

Francesco ZANNA

Tutor: Prof. V. Bagarello

Co-Tutor: Prof. D. Giambalvo

Research Interests:

  • Hydraulic properties in microplastic-contaminated soil;
  • Hydraulic properties in soil with biochar;
  • Experiments with a rain simulator

 

Ph.D. Student MARIANNA PIPI
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E-mail marianna.pipi@unipa.it
Orcid ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0061-4470
Location Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4
Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology at Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy), 2018

 - Master Degree in Entrepreneurship and Quality for the Agri-food System, curriculum Management of Agri-zootechnical (class LM-69) at Università degli Studi di Palermo awarded in October, 2020, with a thesis entitled “Microbiological characterization of the wooden boards used for maturing typical Sicilian cheeses”

- A three-year PhD scholarship awarded in February 2022

Expertise

- Scientific research in the animal feeding and nutrition
- Laboratory analysis of feed and products
- Animal husbandry and welfare, animal nutrition, agri-food quality

Tutor Prof. Antonino Di Grigoli
Co-tutor Prof. Adriana Bonanno
Thesis topics Use of alternative feed sources for sustainability of animal productions
Research interests Effect of use of alternative feed sources and different livestock farming factors on the nutritional properties of animal products
Link to publications (IRIS data-base) LINK IRIS
International Mobility  

Ph.D. Student

RICCARDO GANNUSCIO

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E-mail

riccardo.gannuscio@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3695-5496

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), VialedelleScienze, Building 4

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Tecnology at University of Palermo (Italy), 2018;

- Master Degree in Entrepreneurship and Quality for the Agri-food System (class LM-69) at University of Palermo, 2020.

- Winner of the scholarshipissued by theUniversity of Palermo, carrying out a research on Biomarkers of cheese from pasture-fed animals, 2021.

- He is qualified to practice as Agronomist and Forestry Doctor, University of Palermo, 2021.

Expertise

- Scientific research in the field offeeding and animal nutrition

- Laboratory analysis of animal feed and livestock products

- Nutritional profile of cheese

Tutor

Prof. Massimo Todaro

Co-tutor

Prof. Isabel Berruga

Thesistopics

Use of by-products in animal feed according to a circular economy model

Researchinterests

Effects of animal feed on livestock production

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

 

Ph.D. Student

ANTONELLA LO PORTO

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E-mail

antonella.loporto@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0717-3487

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF),VialedelleScienze, Building 4, Entry L second floor.

Profile

Master Degree in Agricultural Production and Technologies at Università degli Studi di Palermo, 2019

 

Expertise

 

Tutor

Prof. Alfonso Salvatore Frenda

Co-tutor

Prof. Luciano Gristina

 

Thesistopics

Fattorigenetici, ambientali e agronomici in grado di influenzare la qualitàtecnologica e nutraceutica in Triticum sp.

Researchinterests

 

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

International Mobility

 

Ph.D. Student

CALOGERO LIBRICI

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E-mail

calogero.librici@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3944-2984

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technologies at Università degli Studi di Palermo, 2018;

- Master Degree in Agricultural Production and Technologies at Università degli Studi di Palermo, 2020;

Scholarship from the A. & S. Lima Mancuso Foundation.

Winner of the scholarship issued by the A. & S. Lima Mancuso Foundation - University of Palermo.

Topic: Impact of microplastics on biological and agronomic characteristics of the soil and effects on plant growth. (January 2021);

Scholarship from the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources of the CNR.

Winner of the scholarship issued by the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources of the CNR of Naples and carried out in part at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences of the University of Palermo.

Topic: Analysis of productivity and the extent of biological nitrogen fixing in alfalfa as the rhizobic consortium and water availability vary. (February 2021 - December 2021);

- Worked as External Volunteer Researcher at the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), carrying out a research on “role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in nitrogen dynamics in a grass-legume association; impact of microplastics on the biological and agronomic characteristics of the soil and effects on plant growth; productivity and nitrous oxide emissions in Mediterranean cropping systems; nitrogen withdrawal, assimilation and remobilization in durum wheat plants grown in the Mediterranean environment.” (December 2020 – December 2021).

 

Expertise

-        Soil chemical and physical analysis

-        Gascromatography

-        On-field experimental practices

-        Mycorrhizal fungi

-        Nitrogen fixation

-        Herbaceous crops consociation

Tutor

Prof. Pellegrino Conte

Co-tutor

Prof. Dario Giambalvo; Prof. Vincenzo Bagarello

Thesis topics

“Evaluation of the chemical-physical-biological effect of microplastic contamination in soils”

Research interests

Microplastics and their impact on soil structure and fertility. Evaluation of crops physiology under microplastics-polluted environment.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

 

 

Ph.D. Student

JAY DARRYL L. ERMIO

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E-mail

ermiojaydarryl@gmail.com; jaydarryl.ermio@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7832-1010

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 5

Profile

- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Plant Protection at the Visayas State University, Philippines, 2016

- Master of Science in Crop Protection at the University of Goettingen, Germany and European Master’s degree in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Spain, 2018-2020

Expertise

Plant Protection; Integrated Pest Management; Biological Control; Pesticide Ecotoxicology

Tutor

Prof. Stefano Colazza

Co-tutor

Dott. Antonino Cusumano

Thesis topics

Role of nectar-inhabiting microbes for biocontrol agents (Conservation Biological Control)

Research interests

I am into plant protection, specifically in entomology topics. I am interested in integrating different approaches in managing pest populations in the field, as well as the making use of biological control approaches and knowing the impacts of insecticides to the non-target organisms. Unraveling the mysteries on the interaction between plants and insects is also a field of specialization that I want to pursue because our knowledge on plant-insect interaction with possible mediation by external factors, like microbes is essentially critical in our pursuit of devising sustainable pest management strategy.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

International Mobility

- Erasmus Mundus (Expert4Asia Project) Exchange Undergraduate Student at the University of Germany, October 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015

- Master’s Thesis at the Crop Research Institute Prague in Czech Republic (Biologically Active Substances in Crop Protection Section), February 7, 2020 – September 25, 2020

Ph.D. Student

NICASIO BOVA

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E-mail

nicasio.bova@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5242-4409

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 5, Entry C, first floor

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agro-Engineering  (Class L-25), University of Palermo, 2017;

Master Degree in Firm and Quality for the Agricultural and Food System (Class LM- 69), University of Palermo, 2020;

- Qualification to practice as Agronomist and Forestry Doctor, University of Palermo, 2020;

- Research contract with ITAKA SRL for the project: “Breeding for Resilient, Efficient and Sustainable Organic Vegetable production” (BRESOV). The activities have been carried out at the the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF). (May 2020 - May 2021)

Expertise

- Evaluation of biocontrol activity of microbial consortia and natural compounds against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria;

- Isolation of fungi and bacteria from plant tissue

- DNA extraction from fungi and bacteria

- Identification of fungi and bacteria by conventional PCR and real-time PCR;

- Pathogenicity tests;

- General methods for maintenance and preservation of cultural collection of bacteria and fungi

Tutor

Dott.ssa Patrizia Bella

Co-tutor

Prof. Alessandro Miceli

Thesis topics

Harnessing the seed-associated bacteria in Brassica vegetables for the control of black rot disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.

Research interests

Plant diseases, beneficial microorganism, biological control, molecular-based diagnostic methods, microbiome.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

 

   
 

MARTINA AGOSTA

   

E-mail

martina.agosta@unipa.it; agosta.m@libero.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5939-9026

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Forestry and Environmental Sciences (class L-25) at University of Palermo (Italy), 2019

- Master Degree in Forestry and Agro-Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Safeguard and Enhancement of Rural Areas curriculum, 2021

 

Expertise

- Market Comparison Approach

- Real estate appraisal

- Land cadastre

Tutor

Prof. Antonio Asciuto

Co-tutor

Prof. Emanuele Schimmenti and Prof.ssa Caterina Patrizia Di Franco

Thesis topics

The application of Market Comparison Approach to agricultural land appraisal

Research interests

-        Land market analysis

-        Market oriented approaches

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

International Mobility

 

   

Ph.D. Student

CRISTINA BONDÌ

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E-mail

cristina.bondi@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3210-1960

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4, Entry E, first floor

Profile

- She studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2019 she graduated in Forestry and Agro-Environmental Sciences and Technologies, curriculum Forest Systems Management, class LM-73;

- She worked as External Volunteer Researcher at the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), carrying out a research on "Hydraulic characterization of substrates for green infrastructure".   (July 2021 – October 2021).

Expertise

- Laboratory measurement of soil water retention;

- Measurement of soil particle size distribution;

- Estimation of soil hydraulic properties;

- Assessment of soil water repellency.

Tutor

Prof. Massimo Iovino

Co-tutor

Prof. Vincenzo Bagarello

Thesis topics

 

Research interests

- Soil physics;

- Soil hydraulic properties;

- Soil water repellency.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

International Mobility

 

   

Ph.D. Student

IGNAZIO MARIA GUGINO

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E-mail

ignaziomaria.gugino@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1545-2918

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4

Profile

Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Tecnology (class L-26) at University of Palermo (Italy), 2018;

- Master Degree in Mediterranean Food Science and Technology (class LM-70), at University of Palermo (Italy), 2021.

Expertise

− Scientific research in the field of food industry

− Experimental tests of beverages fermentations and cereals malting

− Food analysis

− Beer and malt analysis

− Brewing and malting process management

Tutor

Prof. Aldo Todaro

Co-tutor

Prof. Diego Planeta and Dott.Vincenzo Alfeo

Thesis topics

Analysis and characterization of old Sicilian cereals landraces to be addressed to the malt industry

Research interests

Brewing process, malting process, food technology, food analysis, hops cultivation, oenology

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

 

   

Ph.D. Student

FRANCESCO VELLA

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E-mail

francesco.vella09@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4826-9167

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4, first floor

Profile

Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technologies at University of Palermo, 2019.

Master Degree in Entrepreneurship and Quality for the Agri-food System (class LM-69) at University of Palermo, 2021.

He is qualified to practice as Agronomist and Forestry Doctor from Palermo University.

Expertise

Certifications of food products

Study analysis and application of ecological principles in agri-food production

Sustainable Agriculture

Organic farming

Tutor

Prof.ssa Giuseppina Migliore

Co-tutor

Prof. Giorgio Schifani

Thesis topics

The ‘green’ transition in Agriculture.

Research interests

Agroecology;   Biodiversity; Ecology; Sustainable Agriculture; Consumer behaviour; Agricultural policies.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

 

International Mobility

 

Ph.D. Student

ALESSANDRA CULMONE

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E-mail

alessandra.culmone@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2450-9579

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology (class L-25) at Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy), 2019

- Master Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology, curriculum PhytoPatology (class LM-69) at Università di Bologna awarded in March, 2022, with a thesis entitled “Hydrolate and EO Application to Reduce Decay of Carica papaya during Storage”

Expertise

- Post harvest tecnology;

- Agro-industrial processing plants and processes;

- Enhancement of shelf-life fruits using edible coatings made with natural substances such as essential oils and their by-products;

- Defence and prevention of foods from pathogens and possible contamination

Tutor

Prof. Vittorio Farina

Co-tutor

Prof. Luigi Botta
Prof.ssa Alessandra Carrubba

Thesis topics

Control of loss quality of mediterranean fruits caused by biotic and abiotic agents in various, with the aim of prolonging their shelf life using technologies such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), or edible coatings based on essential oils and their derivatives.

Research interests

Control and prevention of foods from pathogens with natural substances

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

https://iris.unipa.it/cris/rp/rp65604

International Mobility

 

Ph.D. Student

PASQUALE ROPPOLO

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E-mail

pasquale.roppolo@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7753-7605

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technologies (class L-25) at University of Palermo (Italy), 2019;

- Master Degree in Entrepreneurship and Quality for the Agri-food System (class LM-69) at University of Palermo (Italy), 2021;

- Qualification to practice as Agronomist and Forestry Doctor, University of Palermo (Italy), 2022.

Expertise

- Post-harvest treatments and food preservation;

- Agro-industrial processing plants and processes;

- Defence and prevention of foods from pathogens and possible contamination;

- Evaluation of the organoleptic, nutritional and nutraceutical quality of foods;

- Valorisation of quality production.

Tutor

Prof. Vittorio Farina

Co-tutor

Prof. Livio Torta

Thesis topics

Qualitative characterization and technological development of new products based on dried fruit and dehydrated fruit.

Research interests

Post-harvest; fruits quality; dried fruits; tropical fruits; sensory analysis.

Link to publications (IRIS data-base)

https://iris.unipa.it/cris/rp/rp95245

International Mobility

 

Ph.D. Student

GAETANO CALTABELLOTTA

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 caltabellotta

E-mail

gaetano.caltabellotta@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8986-5208

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4, Entry E, first floor

Profile

- He studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2019 he graduated in Forestry and Agro-Environmental Sciences and Technologies, curriculum Protection and Enhancement of the Rural Territory, class LM-73;

- He worked as External Volunteer Researcher at the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences (SAAF), carrying out a research on "Experimental methodologies for the hydraulic characterization of the soil".   (November 2019 - February 2020);

- He gained a scholarship at the University of Palermo, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest (SAAF), concerning "Research applied to the agri-food sector for the improvement of soils". (March 2020 - August 2020).

Expertise

- Laboratory and field measurement of soil water repellency;

- Measurement of soil particle size distribution;

- Estimation of field saturated hydraulic conductivity by the Simplified Falling-Head           (SFH) technique;

- Estimation of soil hydraulic properties by Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameter (BEST) technique.

Tutor

Prof. Massimo Iovino

Co-tutor

Prof. Vincenzo Bagarello

Thesis topics

Effects of wildfire-induced water repellency on the soil hydrological processes

Research interests

- Soil physics;

- Water infiltration;

- Soil hydraulic properties;

- Soil water repellency

Link to IRIS data-base

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

 

 

 

Ph.D. Student

MARK MASSAAD

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 Mark_Massad

E-mail

mark.massaad@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9290-3666

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4 and 5, Entry A.

Profile

Successfully completed my Master Degree in Agricultural science with a specialization in Agrobiodiversity from the Lebanese University- Beirut- Lebanon

Expertise

Research assistant at the American University of Beirut- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences.

Tutor

Prof. Tommaso La Mantia and Dott. Nicola Francesca

Co-tutor

Dott. Da Silveira Bueno.

Thesis topics

Evaluation of the ecological biodiversity and role of bats in agro and silvo systems in Sicily through advanced investigation technique.

Research interests

Biodiversity- Ecology- Forestry- Sustainable Agriculture- IPM

Link to IRIS data-base

 

International Mobility

 

 

 

   
   
Ph.D. Student ANTONINO PIRRONE
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E-mail

antonino.pirrone@unipa.it

Orcid ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5141-8998
Location Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 5
Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agro-Engineering (class L-25) at University of Palermo (Italy), 2017;
- Master Degree in Forestry and Agro-Environmental Sciences and Technologies, curriculum Protection and Enhancement of the Rural Territory (class LM-73), at University of Palermo (Italy), 2019

Expertise

− Scientific research in the field of agricultural microbiology
− Experimental tests of beverages fermentations
− Yeast isolation from environmental matrices and technological selection tests
− Application and monitoring of microbial starters (yeasts) in the alcoholic fermentation of alcoholic beverages
− Post-harvest tropical fruit management and processability

Tutor Dott. Nicola Francesca
Co-tutor Prof. Vittorio Farina; Dott. Raimondo Gaglio; Dott. Raffaele Guzzon
Thesis topics "Technological development of new tropical fruit products and beverages”
Research interests Agricultural microbiology, brewing microbiology, tropical and subtropical fruit crops
Link to IRIS data-base LINK IRIS
International Mobility Erasmus + at Aleksandras Stulginkis Universitetas, Kaunas – Lithuania from September to December 2015
   

Ph.D. Student

ROSARIO PRESTIANNI

Photo

 Rosario_Prestianni

E-mail

rosario.prestianni@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9982-838X

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 5

Profile

- He studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2017 he graduated in Agricultural Science and Technology, LM-69.

- He is qualified to practice as Agronomist and Forestry Doctor from Palermo University.

Expertise

- Scientific research in the field of agricultural microbiology

- Experimental trials of wine and beer fermentation

- Yeast isolation from food matrices and technological selection tests

- Field analysis and grape ripening monitoring

- Selection and management of lactic acid bacteria in the production of table olives

- Application and monitoring of microbial starters (lactic acid bacteria) in the lactic fermentation of alcoholic beverages

Tutor

Dott. Nicola Francesca

Co-tutor

Prof. Giancarlo Moschetti and Dott. Antonio Alfonzo

Thesis topics

Selection and application of microbial starters (lactic acid bacteria and yeasts) to improve the aromatic profile and healthiness of wines.

Research interests

Agricultural microbiology and oenology

Link to IRIS data-base

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

 

 

 

Ph.D. Student

DARIO SCUDERI

Photo

 scuderi

E-mail

dario.scuderi@unipa.it

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2313-180X

Location

Department of Agricultural, Food, and Forest Sciences (SAAF), Viale delle Scienze, Building 4, Entry H

Profile

- Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Technologies at Università degli Studi di Palermo, 2018

- Master Degree in Agricultural Production and Technologies at Università degli Studi di Palermo, 2020

Expertise

- Horticulture and Precision Agriculture

- Environmental data monitoring

- Soil texture analysis

- Fruit quality analysis

- Post-harvest management of fruit

- Compounds extraction from plant material: oil, carotenoids

- Statistical analysis and modelling

Tutor

Prof. Vittorio Farina

Co-tutor

Dott. Giuseppe Sortino

Thesis topics

Tropical fruit crops adaptation to the Sicilian and Mediterranean climate. Plant phenology, fruit growth dynamics and environmental and physiological factors influencing fruit quality

Research interests

I am primarily interested in Tropical and Subtropical fruit crops, and enthusiastic about the possibility of their cultivation in the Mediterranean area. Studying the adaptation of exotic species to the climate of the cradle of so many cultures is intriguing and gives me the feeling of pursuing a process that started at the same time as agriculture itself.

Link to IRIS data-base

LINK IRIS

International Mobility

Erasmus + at Aleksandras Stulginkis Universitetas, Kaunas – Lithuania from September to December 2015

Erasmus + for Traineeship at Instituto de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de Alimentos, Valencia – Spain from March to May 2018

Internship at Institute for Olive, Subtropical Plants and Viticulture of Chania – Greece from September to November 2019

Study period abroad at CIRAD - Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement - Bassin Plat, Saint-Pierre, Réunion, Francia, from June 2022 to January 2023