Researcher
Department of Agronomy, University of Córdoba
Córdoba
09.2021 - Actuel
Projects: GEN4OLIVE (EU), FLOROLIVE, INNOLIVAR, CDTI (fig postharvest fungal control), Agro-Clime Olive
- Lead researcher on postharvest disease dynamics in fig crops, particularly the monitoring of Aspergillus spp. in Spanish dried figs from the Jerte Valley (Extremadura).
- Developed and implemented field and laboratory protocols for sampling figs and isolating Aspergillus species.
- Conducted quantification and identification of aflatoxigenic strains using microbiological and molecular techniques.
- Analyzed spore dispersal dynamics, environmental conditions, and factors influencing fungal infection throughout the production chain.
- Collaborated with industry partners (cooperatives, CICYTEX, University of Extremadura) on risk mitigation strategies and aflatoxin control.
- Presented findings in oral and poster presentations at major international scientific congresses including Plant Health (APS), IPPC, ICFES, ENZOEM, and SEF.
- Used tools such as R, SPSS, Statistix, and Excel for data analysis, modeling, and mapping of contamination risks.
- Contributed to research on aflatoxin modeling in pistachios and collaborated with institutions in Spain and the U.S. (University of California and University of Cranfield).
- Participated in writing scientific reports, congress abstracts, and drafting publications for peer-reviewed journals (in progress).
