Gemma Bianchi

Supervisors: Prof. Lorenzo Cotrozzi and Dr. Claudia Pisuttu

Research field: Plant Pathology

Research interests: Climate change, ozonated water, Plant pathology, plant protection, wood distillate

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

Operational office: Via Vecchia di Marina 20, 56122 San Piero a Grado – Pisa, Italy (Plant Pathology Lab)

gemma.bianchi@phd.unipi.it

Gemma is a PhD student (XL cycle, 2024-2027) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE) of the University of Pisa. In 2023, she obtained her Master’s degree in “Sustainable Agricultural Systems” from the same University, with a thesis titled “The possible role of natural bioactive compounds as resistance inducers: the case of grapevine”. She completed a two-month internship at the Resistance Induction and Bioprotection of Plants Lab at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (Reims, France) through the Erasmus+ program, where she mainly studied grapevine trunk diseases. Her PhD project, conducted at the Plant Pathology Lab of DAFE and titled “Evaluation of alternative crop protection products for a sustainable management of plant diseases and climate-change related abiotic stressors”, focuses on developing new eco-friendly approaches for protecting agricultural and horticultural crops. Specifically, her research interests include the use of ozonated water and wood distillate against major pathogens (e.g., downy mildew, powdery mildew and gray mold) and abiotic stressors (e.g., drought and high temperatures, related to climate change) affecting grapevine and basil. The experimental activities involve studying both the direct and indirect effects of the tested products through eco-physiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses of plants under different health conditions.

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.