Young researchers
Paolo Valfré
About myself:
I am currently a PhD candidate in Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences at the University of Turin (UNITO), specializing in plant pathology. My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental Biology, both obtained from UNITO, where I focused on plant physiology, the study of adaptive responses to environmental stresses, and the interactions between plants and soil microorganisms.
In my doctoral research, I am actively involved in the international project EXCALIBUR, which aims to enhance the understanding of soil biodiversity dynamics and their synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture. My role in the project involves the development, optimization, and field testing of innovative biofertilizers and microbial biocontrol agents, aimed at improving sustainable crop protection strategies. I am responsible for designing and conducting both laboratory and field trials, collecting and analyzing data related to plant-soil interactions, and assessing the effectiveness of bioinoculants on economically important crops such as tomato and strawberry.
Additionally, I collaborate closely with other researchers and stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications that can support sustainable agricultural practices. This involves preparing reports, presenting results at conferences, and working with farmers to implement eco-friendly solutions. My research is driven by a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and the development of innovative, environmentally friendly solutions for crop management, with the goal of bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications in the agricultural sector.