In 2024, Anna Mascellani Bergo, completed a research training stay at the University of Tasmania, where she gained hands-on experience in proteomics-based plant pathology experiments. During her stay, she worked under the supervision of Prof. Calum Wilson (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture) and Dr. Richard Wilson (Central Science Laboratory, UTAS). The research mobility was carried out within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 programme and was co-funded by the European Commission.
The focus of the research was on powdery scab disease in potatoes. Using trypsin shaving and proteomics approaches, Anna analyzed cell-surface proteins in potato roots to identify potential spore-binding proteins, comparing resistant and susceptible varieties in order to uncover key traits associated with disease resistance. The next phase of the work will involve validating the role of these binding sites in disease susceptibility and investigating the genetic mechanisms regulating their expression. This research stay provided an excellent opportunity to integrate plant science, omics technologies, and data analysis in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.
