Eugenia Ronga

EUGENIA MARIA IDA RONGA

Supervisors:

Prof. Lorenzo Cotrozzi and Prof. Elisa Pellegrini

Research Field: Plant pathology

Short bio and research interests:

Eugenia is a PhD student at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE) of the University of Pisa. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology at DAFE, defending a thesis entitled “Prevention and control of Erysiphe necator in organically managed vineyards”. She subsequently earned a double degree (University of Pisa/ Czech University of Life Science Prague) in Biosafety and Food Quality, which included a study period abroad in the Czech Republic, where she defended the thesis “Effect of advanced pretreatment technologies on Greek yogurt production yield, sensory, physicochemical and functional characteristics”.

She is currently involved in the PhD project “Advanced monitoring and eco-friendly strategies for disease control in chestnut orchards” at the Plant Pathology Lab of DAFE, University of Pisa. Her PhD project aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the entire chestnut production chain by assessing varietal resistance to major diseases and abiotic stresses, particularly water stress, and by certifying virus-free nursery material. The project also involves the adoption of advanced technologies and the use of next-generation optical sensors (e.g. multi- and hyperspectral) for crop monitoring and for assessing product quality and safety, with the goal of reducing production costs and environmental impacts. In addition, innovative and eco-compatible strategies, including ozone-based treatments, are being developed to ensure the mycotoxin decontamination and safety of chestnut-based products.

This research activity is carried out within the broader project NECCIØ (“New Eco-Compatible Approaches for Innovative and Zero-Residue Chestnut Cultivation” CUP: B59I21000680001-M2C1-I3.4 PNRR Next Gen EU).

Keywords: chestnut diseases, advanced/eco-friendly approaches, optical sensors, ozone treatments, food security/safety

Contacts:

eugenia.ronga@phd.unipi.it

Headquarters address: Registered office: Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy

Operational office: Via Vecchia di Marina 20, 56122 San Piero a Grado – Pisa, Italy

ResearchGate Account: Eugenia Maria Ida Ronga

LinkedIn Account: Eugenia Ronga | LinkedIn

ORCID: Eugenia Maria Ida Ronga (0009-0005-3886-1337) – Il mio ORCID

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-environmental Sciences at the University of Pisa, the oldest Agricultural School in Italy, is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the future. Agricultural Sciences are essential for community well-being and economic development, despite the small workforce in the primary sector in developed countries. With a focus on food security, a circular economy, quality of life, and environmental conservation, the department plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable agri-food production systems. Through impactful research, high-quality education, and community services, the department generates technological innovations for socio-economic advancement. The department’s study programs equip students with specialized knowledge, practical skills, and critical awareness. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, students are prepared for job opportunities and personal growth. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with local and international partners to foster innovation and address agricultural challenges.