Istituto Per La Protezione Sostenibile Delle Piante | Italy
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Francesca De Luca embarked on her scientific path with a Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Bari in 1988, swiftly followed by a professional qualification as a biologist in 1991. Her academic curiosity led her to specialize further with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, completed in 1997. She enriched her early education with specialized training, including a bioinformatics course and international exposure through a fellowship at the Nematology Laboratory, University of Riverside, California, under Prof. D. Bird's mentorship. Her foundational years were marked by a blend of robust academic formation and hands-on research experiences that shaped her scientific rigor.
🧪 Professional Endeavors
Dr. De Luca’s professional career is deeply rooted in the Italian National Research Council (CNR), beginning as a training student in 1987 and later evolving into multiple key roles at the CNR Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), Unit of Bari. From 1995 to 1998, she contributed to crucial research on nematode cuticle structures, which laid the groundwork for her later permanent role as a Researcher (1998–2020) and then Senior Researcher (since 2021). She also served as Unit Manager (2010–2014), demonstrating leadership in her scientific unit. Her ongoing academic credentials include the Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale (2018–2029), reflecting her eligibility for higher academic positions in Italy.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. De Luca is a leading voice in molecular biology, comparative genomics, and biodiversity research, with a specialized focus on nematodes—plant-parasitic, entomopathogenic, and free-living. Her work combines molecular systematics and evolution to develop efficient, sustainable diagnostic tools and pest control strategies. Notably, her contributions have direct applications in agriculture and biosecurity, making her research both scientifically robust and socially relevant. Through numerous publications, she has illuminated the importance of accurate nematode identification to inform timely pest management decisions.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Her scientific excellence has been acknowledged through multiple honors, including the Outstanding Poster Awards at major national conferences (XI Congresso sulla Biodiversità in 2014 and XII Congresso SIN in 2016). In 2019, she was recognized at the Annual DiSBA Conference in Bologna as part of “Ricercatori DiSBA: I frutti dell’eccellenza.” These accolades celebrate her innovative methodologies, clear communication of science, and contributions to nematology and biodiversity.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. De Luca's influence transcends research through her dedication to science dissemination, training, and policy advisory. She has actively engaged with schools, universities, and international agencies to promote knowledge of sustainable plant protection. Her roles as reviewer for top-tier journals and grant evaluator for various European and international bodies (Slovenia, UK, Poland, Italy) underscore her credibility in shaping the future of research funding and direction. As a delegate to the International Federation of Nematology Societies (IFNS) and vice-president of the Italian Society of Nematology (2019–2022), she plays a pivotal role in steering scientific collaboration and governance.
🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions
With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. De Luca has mentored numerous students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers, ensuring the continuity and evolution of her research themes. Her current efforts focus on developing plant-derived bioformulations for sustainable pest management—aligning perfectly with global priorities like Agenda 2030 and the EU Green Deal. Her training and dissemination work, including international collaborations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria, demonstrate her commitment to building global capacity in plant protection. Through her dedication, innovation, and mentorship, Dr. Francesca De Luca is not only a pillar of Italian and European nematology but also a lasting force for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation across the globe.
Publications
📄 Phasmarhabditis thesamica n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), a new slug nematode from southern slope of Caucasus, Georgia 📄
Authors: Otar Gorgadze, Alberto Troccoli, Elena Fanelli, Elena Tarasco and Francesca De Luca
Journal: Nematology
Year: 2022
📄 Molecular mechanism of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Citrus aurantium essential oils against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Elena Fanelli, Alessio Vovlas, Trifone D’Addabbo and Francesca De Luca
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025
📄 Integrative characterization and phylogenetic relationships of Xiphinema rivesi and X. pachtaicum (Nematoda, Longidoridae) associated to vineyards in North Italy
Authors: Alberto Troccoli, Alessio Vovlas, Elena Fanelli, Trifone D’Addabbo and Francesca De Luca
Journal: European Journal of Plant Pathology
Year: 2024
📄 Bibliometric and sequence analyses of the pathogenic Helicotylenchus nematodes
Authors: Alessio Vovlas, Ebunoluwa Ijeoma Ajobiewe, Elena Fanelli, Alberto Troccoli and Francesca De Luca
Journal: Phytopathologia Mediterranea
Year: 2024
📄Somatometric characters of an Anatonchus population (Nematoda Mononchidae) from Greece: observations on its predatory ability
Authors: Alessio Vovlas, Elena Fanelli, Alberto Troccoli and Francesca De Luca
Journal: Redia
Year: 2024