Kiwifruit vine decline syndrome: interactions between genotype, rhizosphere/soil microbial community and aetiological agents.

Supervisor: prof. Guido Cipriani, dott. Paolo Ermacora, prof. Marta Martini

Since 2012, a new syndrome of Kiwifruit (“Moria”, a soil-borne disease) was reported in different areas of Italy and it is currently hardly affecting Kiwifruit industry. Moria is linked to different factors, both biotic and abiotic. The control of soil-borne diseases relies on pathological, genetical, agronomical and microbial factors. In the light of these instances, the aims of this PhD project are divided in different lines. 1) Phenotypic evaluation of root system in different Actinidia genotypes,  to find out which genotype can resist to “Moria”. Moreover, the effect of the candidate genotypes to be used as rootstock for commercial variety will be tested. 2) Pathogenetic test and the climate influence on the candidate pathogens, in order to identify and confirming aetiological agents along with the influence of climate changing on their development. 3) Microbiome detection and evolution in soil, and the genotype attitude to influence, select the microbial community and tolerate the pathology. Lastly, identify resistant or tolerant genes, the possibility of using the post-transcriptional gene-silencing and the rhizosphere manipulation might be investigated along the doctoral course due to their importance.

Biography and Contacts:

Giovanni Mian  was born in Monfalcone (GO), Italy, on 24/07/1990. In 2015 he graduated in the bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Udine. In October 2017 he got his master’s degree in Agricultural Science and Technology, with a final grade of 110/110 cum laude at the University of Udine. After several years of research in the private and public sector (ERSA, CREA VE, UniUD), in November 2021 he started a doctoral course at the PhD school of “Agriculture Science and Biotechnology” at the University of Udine.

giovanni.mian@uniud.it