Arianna Grassi

Supervisors: Prof. Monica Agnolucci and Prof. Alessandra Turrini

Research field: Microbiology

Research interests: Food microbiology, Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Biostimulants, Sustainable agriculture

Department head office, via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa
arianna.grassi@phd.unipi.it

She received her MA in Biosafety and Food Quality in 2018 at the Department of Agriculture Sciences, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa. In 2019 she won a research grant in the field of food microbiology, and she worked for two years in the same Department (DAFE). The activity was mainly focused on study of the molecular and functional biodiversity of microorganisms from spontaneous fermented food and beverages. In 2021 she won a research grant (DAFE) and in the 2022 a research fellowship (DAFE) to study the beneficial microbial communities characterizing different environmental matrices for their use in sustainable agriculture. These research projects were mainly focused on the isolation and morpho-physiological and molecular characterization of beneficial soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Author of 9 papers on international journals, of which 8 ISI and 1 contribution to an international conference. Currently she is a PhD student in Agricultural Sciences, Food and Environment and the PhD activity is relating to the use of microorganisms as biofertilizers and biostimulants for the improvement of plant use efficiency of water and soil natural resources.

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.