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👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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
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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
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Title: Coleoptera claws and trichome interlocking
Authors: G Salerno, M Rebora, S Piersanti, V Saitta, E Gorb, S Gorb
Year: 2023
Citations: 16
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
