Professor Linda Muskat: Biological Crop Protection
In 2016, Professor Linda Muskat finished her studies in Mainz after completing a master's thesis at the Institute of Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF, Kaiserslautern), in which she wrote about the biology and control of grapevine-pathogenic fungi. During her doctorate at Hochschule Bielefeld in the Fermentation and Formulation of Cells and Active Ingredients research group, she worked on the formulation of living biocontrol agents, as well as plant-based agents for use in biological plant protection. In her postdoctoral work, she continued her research on the fermentation and formulation of biological plant protection products.
In March 2023, Linda Muskat was appointed Professor of Phytopathology and Crop Protection in Viticulture and Horticulture at the Institute for Crop Protection at Hochschule Geisenheim University. Her research focus is on the development, utilization and combinability of alternative agents and methods for environmentally-friendly specialty crop protection.
In her lecture, Professor Muskat will discuss economically significant pathogens associated with grapevines and horticultural crops and present approaches for sustainable and effective crop protection.
Professor Davide Francioli: How Microorganisms Interact with Plants
Professor Davide Francioli studied agricultural biotechnology at the University of Florence. In 2017, he attained his doctorate at Leipzig University and subsequently completed postdoctoral work at various renowned research institutes in Germany and the Netherlands, including the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF). His work focuses on the complex world of microorganisms and their interactions with plants. In the course of his research, he investigates the health of these microscopic allies on the health and productivity of plants.
A particular focus of his research is on the application of mycorrhiza in viticulture and horticulture. Mycorrhiza can be used as a sustainable way to boost the vitality of plants and, as such, can reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Professor Francioli has also recently launched an exciting project with Geisenheim students, which involves cultivating gourmet mushrooms by recycling the university’s green waste.
Professor Francioli’s inaugural lecture is titled “Utilizing Plant-Microbe Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture.”
Invitation
We are delighted that Professor Muskat and Professor Francioli are enriching Hochschule Geisenheim University with their expertise and would like to warmly invite all interested parties to attend their lectures. There will be drinks in the foyer of the campus building after the lectures.
Date: July 4, 3:30 p.m.
Location: Gerd-Erbslöh-Hörsaal (HS 30)
Link to the livestream: Inaugural Speeches (hs-gm.de)
Further Information (in German):
