Sustainable Ecosystems and Bioresources Department (DASB)

In order to design and develop systems that can sustain human welfare and preserve natural capital for future generations, knowledge of the complex relationships and interactions in ecosystems, as well as the interpretation of their reactions to disturbances, are crucial. Therefore, the research of this Department promotes sustainable use of natural and agricultural ecosystems to link the needs of modern society and the protection of the environment. Projects focus on innovative technolo- gies based on low impact processes to improve the quality and production of modern society. Thanks to the application of innovative approaches in chemistry, physiology and molecular biology, careful planning of resources use can be achieved and, in the case of ecosystem disturbance caused by anthropic activity, counterbalancing actions can be put on place. The understanding of the mechanisms regulating the stability of ecosystems will assist their protection and the sustainable development of agriculture.

Forest ecology and biogeochemical cycles

This research unit studies the interactions between vegetation, soil and climate in order to evaluate the effects of climate change on ecosystems and to identify the most appropriate management methods to mitigate them. We develop different biogeochemical models and innovative approaches on various scales, from ecosystem to regional mainly using remote data collection (e.g. Lidar, hyperspectral fluorescence, eddy covariance, phenocam).

Agricultural Entomology

We study the biological mechanisms of perception and processing of the sensory stimuli involved in both intra- and inter-specific communication of the most economically important insect pests, to understand how we may manipulate their behavior and provide new pest control methods, and with the long- term scope of agro-ecosystems and biodiversity protection. We make use of a multidisciplinary approach, from molecular biology and comparative genomics to neurobiology and physiology, to behavioral field observations.

Hydrobiology

Our research focuses on biodiversity and long-term ecological evolution of lakes and rivers in the Alpine and Perialpine region. In particular, we study the effects induced by climate change, eutrophication and changes in hydrological and thermal regimes on aquatic ecosystems and communities. For this purpose, in addition to traditional limnology, we also use a multidisciplinary approach based on metabolomics, molecular biology and NGS, stable isotopes and high frequency data, and for catchment level studies, eco-hydraulic analyses.

Plant pathology and applied microbiology

Our mission is reducing chemical inputs in plant protection products and fertilizers, by developing low-risk active substances and products based on natural microorganisms and their metabolites (such as biofungicides, biostimulators, and/or biofertilizers), plant antifungal molecules and plant induced resistance processes. Mechanisms of action are characterized by multidisciplinary studies of physiology, microbiology and molecular biology. Products are developed and tested in collaboration with companies, to validate efficacy and safety for human health and the environment.