Agriculture Webinar | Biological Control of Plant Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities
Agriculture Webinar | Biological Control of Plant Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities
Part of the MDPI Agriculture Webinar series
18 June 2026
Plant disease management, Sustainable agriculture, Biological control agents (BCAs), Microbiome, Microbial consortia, Bioformulates, Regulatory and registration of BCA
Welcome from the Chairs
6th Agriculture Webinar
Biological Control of Plant Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities
Dear Colleagues,
Plant pathogens cause severe yield losses worldwide and are increasingly showing reduced sensitivity to conventional agro-chemicals. At the same time, climate change and the growing demand for more sustainable agricultural systems are highlighting the urgent need for alternative and/or integrated disease management strategies.
Beneficial microorganisms represent promising eco-friendly solutions capable of reducing dependence on synthetic products. However, the effectiveness of currently available bioformulations may vary according to environmental conditions and crop management practices.
To achieve more efficient sustainable plant protection, advances in molecular and biotechnological tools can significantly improve the selection and characterization of novel biocontrol products or microbial consortia, as well as deepen understanding of their mechanisms of action and optimize their practical application in crop disease management. Simplifying regulatory and registration procedures is also essential to accelerate the introduction of innovative and efficient bioproducts to the market.
This webinar addresses some important issues in actual trends in biological control of plant diseases.
The first presentation
Invited Speaker: Antonino Malacrinò (Clemson University, USA)
Title Presentation: Potential role of synthetic microbial communities in sustainable plant disease management
The second presentation
Invited Speaker: Antonio di Pietro (University of Cordoba, Spain)
Title Presentation: Studying genetics and multitrophic interactions in the rhizosphere using Fusarium oxysporum–tomato plant pathosystem and biocontrol agents
The third presentation
Invited Speaker: Dr. Bruno Folchi (Agroventure)
Title Presentation: Main Issues and Constraints in the Registration and Commercialization of Biocontrol Products
We hope that these three contributions will stimulate discussion with and among attendees, fostering inputs, new insights and collaborations.
Giuseppe Lima, Antonio Ippolito and Carmine Del Grosso
Date: 18 June 2026
Time: 10:00 am EDT | 3:00 pm BST | 4:00 pm CEST | 10:00 pm CST Asia
Webinar ID: 835 3102 1486
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Event Chairs
Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
Prof. Antonio Ippolito is full professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Bari Aldo Moro. His research activity is mainly focused on the control of postharvest diseases of fresh fruit and vegetables through the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Over the years, he has gained extensive expertise in postharvest pathology, integrated disease management, and the development of innovative approaches for reducing chemical residues in horticultural products while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. His research activities include the evaluation of biological control agents, natural compounds, physical treatments, and integrated strategies for the management of postharvest pathogens affecting fruit and vegetables. A major objective of his research is achieving zero fungicide residues in fresh produce, promoting safer and more sustainable production systems for consumers and the environment. His current activities are particularly focused on the development of integrated approaches combining biological, physical, and natural-product-based methods as effective alternatives to conventional synthetic fungicides.
Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
Prof. Giuseppe Lima is full professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy. He received his Degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Palermo in 1986 and his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in 1992. Since 1995, he has taught courses in Plant Pathology, Forest Pathology, Biological Control, and Mycology at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. His research focuses on the chemical, biological, and integrated control of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria, paying particular attention to biocontrol agents (BCAs), natural compounds, host–pathogen interactions, and bioformulation development. He is author or co-author of more than 200 scientific publications and conference contributions. His bibliometric indicators include 52 publications in Impact Factor journals, an H-index of 26, and 2,338 citations (Scopus database, May 2026). ORCID: 0000-0003-2785-4308 | ResearchGate: Giuseppe Lima Profile | Webpage: University of Molise Academic Profile He is a member of the Italian Phytopathological Society and the Italian Society for Plant Protection. He also serves as the Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Programme in Forestry and Environmental Sciences and Technologies at the University of Molise and as a reviewer/Editorial Board Member for international scientific journals.
Dr. Carmine Del Grosso obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry Science, as well as a PhD in Agricultural Technologies and Biotechnologies, with a curriculum of Sustainable Plant Production and Protection, at the University of Molise. His PhD research focused on the selection and characterization of bioactive compounds effective against Xylella fastidiosa and other phytopathogenic bacteria. His research activities have mainly focused on the biological control of plant diseases and sustainable crop protection strategies. He developed advanced expertise in the manipulation of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and yeasts, as well as in the selection and evaluation of beneficial microorganisms and natural products for plant disease management. He gained significant experience in assessing antagonistic, antimicrobial, inhibitory, and biostimulant activities, both in vitro and in vivo, under controlled and open-field conditions, as well as investigating their mechanisms of action. His research activities included studies on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi, bioformulations, fertilizers, and specialty nutritional products for integrated plant protection against fungal and bacterial diseases of Mediterranean crops.
Invited Speakers
Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
Presentation Title: Potential role of synthetic microbial communities in sustainable plant disease management
Antonino Malacrinò is an assistant professor of Microbiome Science at Clemson University (SC, USA), where his laboratory investigates the mechanisms underlying plant–microbiome interactions and how they can be leveraged to improve plant health. Before joining Clemson University, Dr. Malacrinò held positions at the University of Reggio Calabria (Italy), the University of Münster (Germany), Ohio State University (USA), and Linköping University (Sweden). His research program has attracted more than USD 3 million in competitive funding, and his work has been published in high-impact journals including Science, PNAS, New Phytologist, and Global Change Biology. He is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, a recipient of Molecular Ecology’s Harry Smith Prize, and the Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Applied Biology.
Department of Genetics - University of Cordoba, Campus Rabanales, Edificio Gregor Mendel, Cordoba, Spain
Presentation Title: Decoding Rhizosphere Multitrophic Networks Linking Fungal Pathogens and Biocontrol Agents in the Fusarium oxysporum–Tomato System
Antonio Di Pietro received a M.Sc. degree in Biology in 1987 from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and completed his Ph.D. at the same university in 1990. In 1991/92, he obtained a Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship to perform a postdoctoral stay in the laboratory of Gary Harman at Cornell University, USA. After returning to Europe, he joined the Department of Genetics at University of Córdoba, Spain, as a postdoctoral researcher, initially with support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (MEC) and then with a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship. In 2000, he and his family spent 5 months in Davis, California, where he was a visiting scientist at Novozymes Biotech. Back in Córdoba, he was awarded a Ramon y Cajal Tenure-Track Junior Professorship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN). In 2005, he became an assistant professor; in 2007, associate professor; and in 2010, a full professor of genetics at the University of Córdoba. He has been a coordinator of and participant in several trans-national Marie Curie Training Networks funded by the EU. In 2017, he was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. Di Pietro’s research interests include fungal biology and pathology, with a particular focus on the genetic and cellular mechanisms of adaptation and interaction with the host and the environment.
AgroVentures Piazza Bruno Buozzi 9, 04100, Latina, Italy
Presentation Title: Opportunities and constraints in the registration and development of biocontrol agents: a new bioformulate for sustainable agriculture based on Papiliotrema terrestris, strain PT22AV
Dr. Bruno Folchi is an agribusiness executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in plant protection, agricultural biotechnology, and international business development. He is the founder and general manager of AgroVentures, a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative biocontrol solutions for sustainable agriculture, and serves as the managing director of VextaChem. Over the years, he has developed strong expertise in the registration, commercialization, and strategic development of biological and chemical crop protection products across European and international markets. His professional activities include regulatory strategy, market expansion, technology transfer, and the development of integrated pest management solutions for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Folchi has been actively involved in the development of innovative biocontrol technologies based on beneficial yeasts, including the patented Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV platform for the control of plant pathogens and crop biostimulation. He is also co-inventor of international patents related to yeast-based biocontrol agents for the management of phytopathogens. His current activities are focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the development and international deployment of environmentally friendly biological solutions for crop protection and plant health management.
Registration
This is a FREE webinar. The number of participants to the live session is limited but the recording will be made available on Sciforum shortly afterwards. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.
Certificates of attendance will be delivered to those who attend the live webinar.
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.
Program
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CEST |
|
Chair: Antonio Ippolito (Chair Introduction) |
4:00-4:05 pm |
|
Speaker 1: Antonino Malacrino Presentation Title: Potential role of synthetic microbial communities in sustainable plant disease management |
4:05 4:25 pm |
|
|
|
|
Chair: Giuseppe LIMA (Chair Introduction) |
4:25-4:30 pm |
|
Speaker 2: Antonio Di Pietro Presentation Title: Decoding Rhizosphere Multitrophic Networks Linking Fungal Pathogens and Biocontrol Agents in the Fusarium oxysporum–Tomato System |
4:30-4:50 pm |
|
Chair: Carmine Del Grosso (Chair Introduction) |
4:50-4:55 pm |
|
Speaker 3: Bruno Folchi Presentation Title: Opportunities and constraints in the registration and development of biocontrol agents: a new bioformulate for sustainable agriculture based on Papiliotrema terrestris, strain PT22AV (Title to be confirmed) |
4:55-4:15 pm |
|
Q&A |
4:15-4:25 pm |
|
Closing of the Webinar Chair: Giuseppe Lima |
4:25-4:30 pm |
Relevant Special Issue
Biological Control of Plant Diseases: Challenges and Opportunities
Edited by Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Lima, Prof. Dr. Antonio Ippolito and Dr. Carmine Del Grosso
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2026
Sponsors and Partners
Organizers
