Agricultural Sciences and Technologies

Mateo Salvi

- Host Institution: Spagna Apata Group Limited – New Zealand

- Mobility period: 2026 april 2026 - july 2026

- Supervisor: Prof.ssa Brunella Morandi

- Thesis title: Confronto delle strategie post-raccolta del kiwi: analisi comparativa tra sistema italiano e neozelandese

Matteo’s story

I first learned about the call for applications through Professor Brunella Morandi. […] I then consulted the official Department's website. I chose New Zealand because of its strong focus on kiwifruit cultivation and its postharvest management practices. My objective was to study these practices in a production context different from the Italian one, in order to understand their dynamics and compare the two systems. My thesis analyses the different postharvest management methods adopted in Italy and New Zealand, with a particular focus on the G3 SunGold variety. It examines the main maturity parameters and their influence on storage and final fruit quality, as well as comparing the storage techniques used across the two supply chains. The study aims to better understand how the global marketing window for kiwifruit can be extended.I carried out research activities, participated in laboratory work to measure the main fruit quality parameters (dry matter, soluble solids content, Brix, firmness and colour), and was involved in office-based activities focused on analysing the collected data to support decisions regarding batch allocation, storage periods, product marketing, and fruit management strategies throughout the supply chain. I developed skills in data analysis and the management of experimental data, improving my ability to organise and process large amounts of information. I also strengthened my teamwork skills in an international environment by collaborating daily with colleagues from different countries. Furthermore, I gained an in-depth understanding of Zespri protocols for harvesting, breeding, storage, and marketing of kiwifruit, and learned how these procedures ensure consistently high fruit quality throughout the entire supply chain. I recommend this experience because it represents an opportunity for both professional and personal growth. It allowed me to work in an international environment, deepen my technical knowledge in line with my academic background, and develop valuable skills, such as teamwork and the ability to adapt to a multicultural setting. […]

Luca Vitali

• Host Institution: Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Germany
• Mobility period: settembre 2025 - febbraio 2026
• Supervisor: Prof. Marco Maccaferri
• Thesis title: CasG-mediated targeted mutagenesis of four candidate genes for resistance to Soil- borne cereal mosaic virus in durum wheat

Luca's story

I learned about the Thesis Abroad Call because I have always been interested in possible study mobility periods; it was both through discussions with friends […] and thanks to the related emails that I decided to apply. I chose Germany, in particular the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), after discussing it with my supervisor, Prof. Marco Maccaferri. We considered it the most appropriate choice for my academic career. The thesis aims to understand the genetic basis of resistance to Soil-Borne Cereal Mosaic Virus (SBCMV) in durum wheat through targeted editing of four candidate genes located in the Sbm2 resistance locus, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. […] This work contributes to the identification and validation of the genes responsible for SBCMV resistance, promoting the development of more resilient durum wheat varieties within a sustainable agriculture framework. During the mobility period, I mainly performed molecular biology laboratory work and some greenhouse activities. A significant portion of the data analysis was performed on the computer (gRNA and primer design, NGS analysis, statistical analysis, etc.), allowing me to acquire extensive knowledge of bioinformatics software (Benchling, UGENE, RNAfold, BLAST, R, etc.). Although the main activities were related to molecular biology laboratory techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, cloning techniques, isolation and transformation of protoplasts), I also gained experience in the greenhouse, involving the cultivation of durum wheat plants from which protoplasts were extracted. It was a highly formative experience at a professional level, as I was able to apply theoretical concepts of molecular genetics to daily work. The most important enrichment was the life experience of living in a country different from my own. During this experience, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people who will always remain in my heart. I would strongly recommend an experience abroad to anyone; I consider it extremely enriching and formative both from professional and professionally and socio-cultural perspective.

Luca Rasi

• Host Institution: Biobest company
• Mobility period: maggio 2023 - agosto 2023
• Supervisor: Prof. Fabio Sgolastra

• Thesis title: Evaluation of the efficiency of two microbial candidates, used as bio-control agent against Botrytis cinerea, spread by Entomovectoring

Luca's story

I find out about the call by an email about “thesis preparation abroad” from “DISTAL – Internazionalizzazione”. After my Erasmus, I wanted to enhance my visibility in terms of working profile so I looked for an internship in a big firm abroad. The destination I choose was a pure fortuity because I was trying to access at Wag University but thanks to my previous research chiefs, I found out the bumble team leader contact at Biobest and I agreed to follow up their trials. […] The aim of this master thesis topic was to explore new microorganisms to be used for entomovectoring technology. More specifically, the potential of fungi and yeast species occurring naturally on plants as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea and Mucor sp., were assessed. […] I’ve worked in the microbiology lab, gaining confidence with biocontrol agents and all the protocols. Afterwards, I worked in the research trailer and the Green Lab, testing treatments applied to plants and samples. I also worked in the IT office to get used to the R software. During my mobility period I have learn […] lab techniques and insect handling, from the rearing to their application and, finally, R software. I really suggest this experience because it is the most useful way for increasing the level of the master’s degree overall and to understand which are our weaknesses and lack of knowledge and straighten them. This facility does not provide a course about R software, it would be useful a course about it or implement the teaching hours about that statistical software used worldwide during the study course at DISTAL.