PhD Student: Rida Ali (ORCID n. 0009-0002-2936-4492)
Supervisor: Daniela Lupi
Co-tutor: Elena Sara Crotti
Dean: Prof. Diego Mora
Research area: Agri-Environment
Research topic: Insect sustainable management in agroecosystem: from pests to pollinators
Project Synopsis
This project aims to explore the effects of anthropogenic pressures, with a particular focus on chemical exposure, on pollinator behavior, survival, and overall health. The research will delve mainly on sublethal and chronic impacts of agrochemicals, as well as other stressors, on pollinators. Special attention will be given to understanding how these factors alter feeding behavior and resilience both under laboratory conditions and, when feasible, in the field. An integral part of the project will consist in the characterization of the insect gut microbiome and its variation considering the different environmental pressures.
The approach will be flexible, allowing to develop experiments and protocols to address key knowledge gaps. Potential areas of investigation include:
- The effects of chemical mixtures on pollinator feeding behavior, resilience, and mortality.
- The interplay between microbiome diversity and pollinator health under different environmental pressures.
- Comparative responses across pollinator species, with consideration of species-specific traits.
While the primary focus is on laboratory experiments, field studies may be incorporated to connect findings to real-world contexts, such as pollination services and crop productivity. The broader aim is to generate knowledge that supports sustainable agricultural practices, enhances pollinator conservation, and promotes biodiversity.
Project Keywords
Pollinators, Environment, Survival, Microbiome
Contacts
Università degli Studi di Milano
DeFENS – Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences
Edificio 21030
Via Celoria, 2 – 20133, Milano
Phone: +39 0250316736
Email: rida.ali@unimi.it
Sponsor
Fellowship sponsor: Università degli Studi di Milano.
Publications
Hussain, M., Shoaib, A., Nisa, A. U., Aftab, M., & Ali, R. (2020). Aflatoxins levels in branded and non-branded corn from Lahore, Pakistan. Mycopath, 18, 7-10.
National and International Conferences Proceedings:
Patriarca, F., Holzer, E., Crotti, E., Mapelli, F., Basiglio, S., Ali, R., Casini, S., Sgolastra, F., Lupi D., (2024). Assessing the impact of boscalid and copper-based compounds on pollinators. EurBee 10th Congress of Apidology, Tallinn, Estonia.
Patriarca, F., Holzer, E., Crotti, E., Mapelli, F., Basiglio, S., Ali, R., Casini, S., Sgolastra, F., Lupi D., Cabiddu, L., (2024). Sublethal effects of agricultural chemicals on pollinators: Insights from the POLYPOLL Project. Proceedings of European PhD Network “Insect Science” XV Annual Meeting 13-15 November 2024, Firenze.
Basiglio, F. Patriarca, R. Ali, E. Holzer, S. Casini, F. Sgolastra, D. Lupi, F. Mapelli, E. Crotti – Assessing the impact of different chemical pollutants on the gut microbiome of different pollinator species. Proceedings of European PhD Network “Insect Science” XV Annual Meeting 13-15 November 2024, Firenze.
Others
Master’s Degree in “Plant Health in Sustainable Agriculture” from Dipartimento di Agronomia Animali Alimenti Risorse Naturali e Ambiente – DAFNAE, Universita degli studi di Padova, Italy – 2024.
Master’s Degree in “Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems” from Instituto Agroforestal Mediterráneo – IAM, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain – 2023.
Bachelor of Science in “Agriculture (Plant Pathology)” from Institute of Agricultural Sciences – IAS, University of the Punjab, Pakistan – 2021.