PROFILE

CNR-IPSP studies plant response to biotic and abiotic stress factors, with the aim of identifying mechanisms of resistance and adaptation, to promote 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 counts nearly 110 people and it is made up of 5 Research Units: the Turin Headquarter, the Turin Unit, the Florence Unit, the Portici Unit (Naples) and the Bari Unit. Such Italy-wide distribution represents an unprecedented opportunity to involve different social, economic and environmental situations. The Research Unit of Bari is specifically involved in basic and applied research on invasive pathogens affecting Mediterranean crops.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

CNR-IPSP will coordinate the project to guarantee the correct implementation of the activities and the achievement of the objectives. Being located at the forefront of the Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia, it will conduct the main investigations on the Xf CoDiRO strain, responsible for Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS). CNR-IPSP: will attempt improvement of the isolation procedures and cultivation protocols specific to the strain from different hosts; will carry out studies on the genetic diversity and evolution of CoDiRO populations; will develop rapid and automated diagnostic assays for a sensitive and specific detection; will help identification of the vector(s) involved in the natural spread of Xf and the implementation of sustainable strategies for a direct control of their populations; will perform investigations on novel concepts for disease control (e.g. interfering with diffusible signal factor; NAC application, etc.). In addition, a contribution will be given to promote dissemination activities and increase the project external visibility.

CNR-IPSP will be involved in the following work packages: WP1, WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6, WP7, WP9, WP10, WP11

STAFF

• ALTAMURA GIUSEPPE
• BOSCIA DONATO
• CAVALIERI VINCENZO
• CHIUMENTI MICHELA
• D’ATTOMA GIUSY
• DE STRADIS ANGELO
• ESSAKHI SALWA
• LA NOTTE PIERFEDERICO
• MORELLI MASSIMILIANO
• SALDARELLI PASQUALE
• SAPONARI MARIA
• SAVINO LUCIANA
• TAVANO DANILO
• ZICCA STEFANIA

External Personnel

• BOSCO DOMENICO (Università di Torino)