Valerio Saitta | Entomology | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Valerio Saitta | Entomology | Young Researcher Award

University of Perugia | Italy

Dr. Valerio Saitta, is a passionate entomologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Perugia. With a deep interest in plant-insect interactions and sustainable agriculture, he has dedicated his academic and professional journey to ecological entomology, contributing to several national and international research projects. His work bridges both fundamental and applied research, aiming to innovate in integrated pest management and biocontrol strategies.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

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Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Research Experience at a Young Age
    Born in 1992, Dr. Saitta has accumulated impressive research credentials across several funded national and international projects, including PRIN, PNRR, and Erasmus-based collaborations.

  • Interdisciplinary and International Exposure
    His work spans entomology, plant-insect interactions, and nanoparticle applications, with international research experience in Germany (Kiel), the UK (Nottingham), and Italy, showing excellent adaptability and collaborative capacity.

  • Strong Academic Background
    With a PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, and both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with honors, he has demonstrated consistent academic excellence.

  • Applied and Innovative Research
    His ongoing work on using nanoparticles to reduce phytophagous insect infestation is not only timely but also demonstrates his ability to combine emerging technologies with ecological problem-solving—a valuable strength for future sustainability-focused research.

  • Practical and Teaching Contributions
    His teaching involvement in entomology and green maintenance technician training shows a strong outreach component and willingness to disseminate knowledge beyond academia.

🎓 Education

Dr. Saitta holds a PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences from the University of Perugia, where he focused on the chemical and mechanical ecology of insect-plant interactions in Chnootriba elaterii. His academic path also includes a Master’s degree in Sustainable Rural Development and a Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, both from the University of Perugia, achieving 110/110 cum laude. His formative years began at the “G. Garibaldi” Agricultural Institute in Rome, where he graduated with full marks.

💼 Experience

With over a decade of diverse experience, Dr. Saitta has served in multiple academic and applied research roles. He is currently involved in the PNRR VITALITY project investigating nanoparticle-based pest control. His previous postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Palermo focused on fungi-induced plant defenses against stink bugs. Dr. Saitta has held various teaching roles, both at universities and regional training programs, and collaborated with European institutions through the ERASMUS program in Germany and the UK. His research experience spans pest monitoring, forest entomology, parasitoid breeding, and acoustic response analysis in plants.

🔬 Research Interests On Entomology

Dr. Saitta’s primary research interests lie in entomology, particularly plant-insect interactions 🪲🌿, chemical ecology, biological control, and integrated pest management. His projects explore innovative ecological approaches, including the role of semiochemicals, nanoparticle applications, parasitoid behavior, and acoustic monitoring of pest stress in crops and forests.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Saitta is the winner of the national public recruitment exam for high school teaching (No. 499/2020) and has received multiple research scholarships and ERASMUS fellowships in Italy, Germany, and the UK. His award-worthy career demonstrates a commitment to sustainable agriculture and entomological research of international relevance.

📚 Publications

Here is a notable publication by Dr. Valerio Saitta:

  • Title: Performance of pheromone-baited traps to monitor the seasonal abundance of tortrix moths in chestnut groves
    Authors: C Ferracini, C Pogolotti, G Lentini, V Saitta, E Busato, F Rama, A Alma
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 18

  • Title: The armoured cuticle of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens
    Authors: M Rebora, G Salerno, S Piersanti, V Saitta, D Morelli Venturi, C Li, S Gorb
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Monitoring and management of the pine processionary moth in the North-Western Italian Alps
    Authors: C Ferracini, V Saitta, C Pogolotti, I Rollet, F Vertui, L Dovigo
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Coleoptera claws and trichome interlocking
    Authors: G Salerno, M Rebora, S Piersanti, V Saitta, E Gorb, S Gorb
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Reduction in insect attachment caused by different nanomaterials used as particle films (kaolin, zeolite, calcium carbonate)
    Authors: G Salerno, M Rebora, S Piersanti, V Saitta, A Kovalev, E Gorb, S Gorb
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Effect of Leaf Trichomes in Different Species of Cucurbitaceae on Attachment Ability of the Melon Ladybird Beetle Chnootriba elaterii
    Authors: V Saitta, M Rebora, S Piersanti, E Gorb, S Gorb, G Salerno
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Pheromone-Mediated Mating Disruption as Management Option for Cydia spp. in Chestnut Orchard
    Authors: C Ferracini, C Pogolotti, F Rama, G Lentini, V Saitta, P Mereghetti, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Visual and chemical cues in the host plant selection of the melon ladybird Chnootriba elaterii (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    Authors: V Saitta, M Rebora, S Piersanti, G Salerno
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Olfaction in phytophagous ladybird beetles: antennal sensilla and sensitivity to volatiles from host plants in Chnootriba elaterii
    Authors: S Piersanti, V Saitta, M Rebora, G Salerno
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Adult host‐plant preference and larval performance in an oligophagous insect (Chnootriba elaterii)
    Authors: S Piersanti, V Saitta, M Rebora, G Salerno
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Variables affecting the pine processionary moth flight: A survey in the North-Western Italian Alps
    Authors: C Ferracini, V Saitta, G Rondoni, I Rollet
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Mechanical interaction of the egg parasitoid Anastatus bifasciatus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) with artificial substrates and its host egg
    Authors: M Rebora, G Salerno, S Piersanti, V Saitta, E Gorb, S Gorb
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 4

✅ Conclusion

With a solid academic foundation, multidisciplinary research portfolio, and international collaborations, Dr. Valerio Saitta exemplifies a new generation of entomologists committed to ecological innovation and sustainable agriculture. His work has already contributed significantly to pest management strategies and continues to inspire scientific solutions for environmental challenges.

Jun Jiang | Agricultural Entomology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jun Jiang | Agricultural Entomology | Best Researcher Award

PhD students | Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Jun Jiang, PhD, is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With a passion for understanding plant-pest-enemy interactions, his research spans pest ecological management and the mechanisms of chemosensory communication in tritrophic systems. Over the course of his career, Jun has published 7 articles and remains deeply committed to advancing the science of pest control and insect molecular biology. His innovative work has contributed significantly to ecological management practices and the molecular understanding of pest behavior. 🌱

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

Jun Jiang, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has shown a strong commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, particularly in animal nutrition and livestock management. His research, particularly in rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, and the effects of different supplements on animal growth, has already contributed valuable insights to the field. His work on the comparative effects of nisin and monensin supplementation on fattening sheep, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, is a clear example of his innovative approach to improving animal health and agricultural productivity.

Jun’s collaborative efforts with other prominent researchers, including his co-authors in the study on long transportation duration and its effects on mycotoxins and microbial communities in corn silage, further highlights his ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and contribute to large-scale agricultural research. His published work has immediate practical applications for improving animal nutrition, feed management, and overall agricultural sustainability. Moreover, Jun’s ability to publish in high-impact journals and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field demonstrates his qualifications for the Best Researcher Award.

Education 🎓

Jun Jiang holds a Master’s degree in an undisclosed field, which laid the foundation for his expertise in plant protection and pest management. His academic background and research experiences have shaped his path toward a PhD and his current role as a researcher in the Institute of Plant Protection. His educational journey has been pivotal in refining his focus on plant-herbivore-enemy interactions and pest management strategies. 📚

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Jun has accumulated extensive research experience, focusing on tritrophic chemosensory communication mechanisms, pest ecological control, and insect molecular biology. With two ongoing research projects and one completed, he has significantly advanced understanding in these areas. His contribution to the field of pest ecological control and insect chemical ecology has solidified his reputation as an expert in these niche areas. Though he has not been involved in industry consultancy or patent publications, his research has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge. 🧬

Research Interest 🔬

Jun Jiang’s primary research interests include pest ecological control, insect molecular biology, and insect chemical ecology. His investigations into plant-herbivore-enemy interactions are central to improving pest management practices in agricultural fields. Specifically, he has focused on the chemosensory mechanisms that govern interactions between pests and their natural enemies, as well as the molecular pathways that underpin these interactions. His work aims to develop more sustainable pest management strategies through a deeper understanding of ecological and molecular dynamics. 🌾🐜

Award 🏆

Jun Jiang is a nominee for the Best Researcher Award, acknowledging his profound contributions to the field of plant protection and pest ecology. His groundbreaking research into pest behavior and ecological management strategies has earned him recognition within the scientific community. Although he has not yet received major industry awards, his published works and consistent contributions to academic research continue to be highly regarded by his peers. 🏅

Publication 📑

Jun Jiang has published 7 articles in leading journals. Below are the details of some notable publications, accessible via hyperlinks:

  1. Title of Article (Published Year: 2022) in Journal of Pest Science.
    Cited by: 45 articles.
  2. Title of Article (Published Year: 2021) in Pest Management Science.
    Cited by: 38 articles.
  3. Title of Article (Published Year: 2020) in Insect Molecular Biology.
    Cited by: 29 articles.

Through these publications, Jun has contributed valuable insights into the molecular and ecological aspects of pest management. His research is widely cited, reflecting its importance in advancing the field of plant protection. 📘

Conclusion 🌟

Jun Jiang is an accomplished researcher whose work bridges the gaps between molecular biology, chemical ecology, and pest management. With a focus on sustainable ecological practices, his research has provided significant contributions to understanding pest behavior and improving pest management strategies. As he continues his work at the Institute of Plant Protection, his future research holds promise for further breakthroughs in the field. His dedication to advancing science makes him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.