Plant–pathogen interactions, bacterial exopolysaccharides & immune priming for selective weed suppression

I am a plant/food biologist at the University of Florence (Italy) working on plant–pathogen systems and plant innate immunity. I also study exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by plant-associated/plant-infecting bacteria and their functional role in plant interactions.

A recent research direction explores how plant immune responses could be selectively activated in weeds while minimising activation in crops, aiming to reduce weed growth and inputs within sustainable crop protection strategies.

What I can contribute

• Plant–pathogen bioassays and experimental support on plant immune activation/priming.

• EPS-focused biological investigations in plant-microbe interactions (bioactivity/functional role within plant systems).

• Mode-of-action oriented lab assays to support biocontrol/elicitor/biostimulant concepts.

Looking for

• Cluster 6 consortia on sustainable agriculture, reduced pesticide use, integrated crop protection, and innovative weed management.

• Partners for greenhouse/field validation, formulation/delivery, ecology/impact assessment, and socio-economic evaluation.

Preferred role

• Partner / task leader on plant immunity bioassays, pathogen interaction studies, and mechanistic lab validation.