Francesca De Luca

Dr. Francesca De Luca

Institute for Sustainability Plant Protection- National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
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Biography

Molecular biology, comparative genomics, molecular sistematics, molecular evolution and biodiversity of nematodes (plant parasitic, entomopathogenic and free-living) are the major topics of my research activity. All these topics are addressed to correctly identify nematode pests in order to adopt control measures, as demonstrated by many papers published. In addition, the biodiversity of nematofauna as bioindicators of soil health can also help in the management of certain areas (natural and agricultural). Transcriptome profiling of tomato transcriptome and identification of differentially regulated pathways in root-knot nematode, mycorrhiza and water stress interactions is an ongoing research. Furthermore, the molecular knowledge of genes and pathways involved in the complex nematode-host interactions can promote the development of new strategies to control nematodes and to protect host plants and the environment. In parallel, the nematicide activity of several natural compounds against plant parasitic nematodes is also conducted by studying the molecular and physiological responses of plant parasitic nematodes.

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