Agricultural Sciences and Technologies
Testimonials from Master's students in Agricultural Science and Technology who were awarded the 'Thesis Abroad' grant.
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.