Giuseppe Lo Papa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lo Papa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Palermo | Italy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lo Papa is a leading soil scientist whose research portfolio demonstrates significant global impact, with 979 citations , 39 publications, and an h-index of 16. His scientific work spans a broad spectrum of soil-related disciplines, including the impacts of human and agricultural activities on soil properties, digital and predictive soil mapping, proximal sensing technologies, pedodiversity, soil security, and the dynamics of soil organic and inorganic carbon in Mediterranean environments under climate-change pressures. He has contributed to advancing soil ecosystem services assessment, anthropogenic soil classification, soil degradation studies across arid to temperate climates, and soil informatics for land evaluation. His extensive involvement in major international and national research projects—ranging from European COST Actions, Horizon2020 initiatives, and FP7 collaborative programs to soil atlas development and environmental monitoring networks—reflects his long-standing commitment to scientifically grounded soil conservation and sustainable land management. His leadership roles in prominent soil science organizations, editorial boards, and European and global soil partnerships further underscore his influence in strengthening soil data quality, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches to land stewardship. Through his scholarship and scientific service, he continues to shape contemporary understanding of soil processes, classification, and sustainable management strategies.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hmidi, O., Srarfi, F., Brahim, N., Bambina, P., & Lo Papa, G. (2025). Predicting soil electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract using pedotransfer functions in Northeastern Tunisia. Sustainability. DOI: 10.3390/su17209177

Hmidi, O., Srarfi, F., Brahim, N., Dazzi, C., & Lo Papa, G. (2025). Assessment of soil and water quality indices in agricultural soils of Manouba Governorate, North-East Tunisia. Soil Systems. DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems9030105

Hmidi, O., Srarfi, F., Brahim, N., Bambina, P., & Lo Papa, G. (2025). A multi-tool statistical approach for predicting soil electrical conductivity (ECe): A case study of the Manouba Province, North East Tunisia. Preprint. DOI: 10.20944/preprints202508.1826.v1

Kakabayev, A. A., Sharipova, B. U., Baranovskaya, N. V., Rodrigo-Ilarri, J., Rodrigo-Clavero, M.-E., Lo Papa, G., Bazilevskaya, E. A., Muratbekova, S., Nurmukhanbetova, N., & Durmekbayeva, S. (2024). Impact of environmental conditions on soil geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan. Sustainability. DOI: 10.3390/su16156361

Lo Papa, G., Schillaci, C., Fantappiè, M., & Langella, G. (2024). Editorial of the Special Issue: Digital soil mapping, decision support tools and soil monitoring systems in the Mediterranean. Land. DOI: 10.3390/land13060815

Bambina, P., Spinella, A., Lo Papa, G., Chillura Martino, D. F., Lo Meo, P., Cinquanta, L., & Conte, P. (2024). 1H-NMR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to classify wines according to different grape varieties and terroirs. Agriculture. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14050749

Bambina, P., Pollon, M., Vitaggio, C., Lo Papa, G., Conte, P., Cinquanta, L., & Corona, O. (2024). Effect of soil type on composition parameters of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nero d’Avola grapes at different ripening stages. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.16964

Barbaccia, P., Gaglio, R., Dazzi, C., Miceli, C., Bella, P., Lo Papa, G., & Settanni, L. (2022). Plant growth-promoting activities of bacteria from an anthropogenic soil in Agrigento Province. Microorganisms. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112167

Barbaccia, P., Dazzi, C., Franciosi, E., Di Gerlando, R., Settanni, L., & Lo Papa, G. (2022). Microbiological analysis and metagenomic profiling of the bacterial community of an anthropogenic soil modified from Typic Haploxererts. Land. DOI: 10.3390/land11050748

Conte, P., Bertani, R., Sgarbossa, P., Bambina, P., Schmidt, H.-P., Raga, R., Lo Papa, G., Chillura Martino, D. F., & Lo Meo, P. (2021). Recent developments in understanding biochar's physical–chemistry. Agronomy. DOI: 10.3390/agronomy11040615

Lo Papa, G., Dazzi, C., Némethy, S., Corti, G., & Cocco, S. (2020). Land set-up systems in Italy: A long tradition of soil and water conservation tailored to diverse pedo-climatic environments. Italian Journal of Agronomy. DOI: 10.4081/ija.2020.1760

Sarkulova, Z., Papa, G. L., Dazzi, C., Kozybaeva, F., & Beiseyeva, G. (2019). Morphogenetic characteristics of chernozem leached in mining enterprise pollution conditions. EurAsian Journal of BioSciences.

Dazzi, C., & Lo Papa, G. (2019). Soil genetic erosion: New conceptual developments in soil security. International Soil and Water Conservation Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2019.08.001

Dazzi, C., Cornelis, W., Costantini, E. A. C., Dumitru, M., Fullen, M. A., Gabriels, D., Kasparinskis, R., Kertész, A., Lo Papa, G., & Pérès, G., et al. (2019). The contribution of the European Society for Soil Conservation to scientific knowledge, education, and sustainability. International Soil and Water Conservation Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.11.003

Dazzi, C., Galati, A., Crescimanno, M., & Lo Papa, G. (2019). Pedotechnique applications in large-scale farming: Economic value, soil ecosystem services, and soil security. CATENA. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2019.104072

Bireescu, G., Dazzi, C., & Lo Papa, G. (2018). Features of benchmark soils along an elevational transect in the northeastern Moldavian Plateau. International Soil and Water Conservation Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2018.07.002

Pellegrini, S., Agnelli, A. E., Andrenelli, M. C., Barbetti, R., Lo Papa, G., Priori, S., & Costantini, E. A. C. (2018). Using present and past climosequences to estimate soil organic carbon and physical quality indicators under future climatic scenarios. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2018.07.015

Lo Papa, G., Vittori Antisari, L., Vianello, G., & Dazzi, C. (2018). Soil interpretation under anthropogenic transformations and pedotechnique applications. CATENA. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2018.04.012

Francesca De Luca | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Paper Award

Dr. Francesca De Luca | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Paper Award

Istituto Per La Protezione Sostenibile Delle Piante | Italy

Author Profile

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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