María Leire Molinero Ruiz

SOIL PATHOGENS, EXTENSIVE CULTIVATION, CROP RESISTANCE, CROP RESISTANCE

Research topics include:

1. Pathogenic and molecular characterization of soil pathogen populations.
2. Integrated management of crop diseases through genetic control, bioactive substances and/or biological control.
3. Pre-symptomatic and non-destructive detection of plant infections using proximity sensors (thermography and fluorescence measurements).

The research focuses on diseases caused by soil pathogens, in particular, but not exclusively, in sunflower (Jopo/Orobanche cumana, Mildew/Plasmopara halstedii, Verticillium/Verticillium dahliae) and maize (late wilt/Magnaporthiopsis maydis). In addition, we are collaborating with other IAS researchers in the study of the effect of agronomic management factors, the efficacy of genetic resistance against quinoa downy mildew and disease control by soil-resident bacteria. Collaborative research with other European and/or U.S. groups is globally aimed at analyzing and enhancing crop resilience to adverse conditions.

Outstanding contributions

• L. Molinero-Ruiz. The sustainable and efficient control of sunflower downy mildew by means of genetic resistance: a review. 2022. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 10.1007/s00122-022-04038-7
• Miranda-Fuentes, P., García-Carneros, A., and L. Molinero-Ruiz. Updated characterization of races of Plasmopara halstedii and entomopathogenic fungi as endophytes of sunflower plants in axenic culture. 2021. Agronomy Basel. 11(2), 268 . https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020268.
• Miranda-Fuentes, P., García-Carneros, A., and L. Molinero-Ruiz. Evidence of soil-located competition as the cause of the reduction of sunflower verticillium wilt by entomopathogenic fungi. 2020. Plant Pathology 69(8): 1492-1503. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13230. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13230