PhD in Sustainable development and cooperation

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Supervisor

Phd thesis

Development and sustainable intensification of agroforestry production systems by the study of the potential of food and no-food plant species.

Plant biodiversity forms the basis of agriculture, allowing the production of food and contributing to the health and nutrition of the entire world population. In addition, it provides nourishment, fibers for fabrics, and raw materials for energy production. The deterioration, fragmentation, and disappearance of habitats are among the main causes of loss of plant biodiversity.

The use of tree and shrub plant species for food and phytotherapeutic purposes has a strong link with the conservation of biodiversity; the enhancement of these species, in fact, can increase the interest in the protection and management of natural habitats. Since the quantity of plant species is constantly decreasing, a greater effort should be made for the sustainable development and intensification of agroforestry production systems.

In this context the objective of this project aims to contribute to protect biodiversity in temperate, tropical and sub-tropical environments starting from species of agricultural and phytotherapeutic interest (e.g. Adansonia spp., Castanea spp.). Appropriate and innovative propagation techniques (e.g. micropropagation, cuttings, grafting) will be developed, followed by innovative agronomic management in line with the cultivation needs of the individual species.

Furthermore, these will be characterized from a nutritional, and phytochemical point of view to highlight the importance of endemic species and agrobiodiversity for local communities. Techniques such as in vitro and in vivo thermotherapy will also be developed for the elimination of viruses in plant species such as in Castanea spp.

Finally, efforts will also be made to strengthen cooperation policies and conservation strategies.