Research Themes

BAA consists of four curricula for which a brief description of research topics is given: 

PLANT GENETICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 

The curriculum develops research topics involving the molecular characterization of cultivated and wild plants and the genetic improvement of plants using the most innovative biotechnological approaches. The research activities deal with various aspects involving human health, agriculture, food, environment, plant biodiversity, and industrial processes, having as main focus the care of food safety and quality, obtaining plant varieties with traits of resistance to harmful organisms and capable of withstanding abiotic stresses, developing plant-derived products with high nutritional, health, nutraceutical quality and always with respect to environmental sustainability. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 

The curriculum develops cross-cutting research topics on environmental resources and the management of protected areas by addressing aspects related to both "natural capital" and aspects related to its "degradation" using approaches typical of ecological research to counter the effects of climate change and safeguard biodiversity. Issues related to the remediation of polluted sites using bioremediation techniques and Nature Based Solutions are also addressed, as well as innovative technological solutions that protect the environment with sustainable production of renewable biological resources and conversion of these resources and waste/waste streams into value-added products. 

SUSTAINABLE MEDITERRANEAN AGRICULTURE 

The curriculum develops research topics specifically concerning the Mediterranean area with its ecological characteristics in order to evaluate from various perspectives the aspects of environmental sustainability, biodiversity and its enhancement, and circular economy. These research activities deal with innovative technological solutions (supplementary lighting, above-ground cultivation, sensor technology for stress detection, cover crops, etc.) as well as other means in order to optimize and protect Mediterranean ecosystems with sustainable productions of renewable biological resources, with the conversion of various resources into value-added products, and with optimal utilization of soil and water resources. 

CROP PROTECTION

The curriculum develops research topics related primarily to crop protection from crop adversity (bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites, and insects) of crop plants, the interactions that are established between the harmful entities (e.g., transmission of pathogens by animal organisms, increased susceptibility), with the host plant and other microorganisms, and the ecosystem services that benefit crops. Basic and applied research involves morphological and biomolecular characterization of pest organisms, their antagonists, analysis of ecological factors favorable to their success, agronomic, biological, physical, microbiological, and biotechnological applications for the effective containment of pests always with respect to environmental sustainability and biodiversity.