Tasks

PhD Candidate in the field of Zoology with a focus on integrated plant protection in viticulture. This research investigates the non-target effects of plant protection products on the natural regulation of vectors of grapevine leafroll disease, aiming to contribute to more sustainable and ecologically sound pest management strategies in vineyards.

Additional research areas include:

• DNA barcoding of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and their associated parasitoids for accurate species identification
• Metabarcoding to analyze the composition and dynamics of parasitoid communities
• Studies on the phenology and effectiveness of parasitoids as natural antagonists of mealybugs
• Research on the impacts of plant protection products on beneficial arthropods, particularly those involved in the control of mealybugs

The research combines field studies and molecular tools to improve our understanding of key biological interactions in viticulture and support more targeted, biodiversity-conscious plant protection strategies.