Dr. Rosario Iacono

Research Interests

My research broadly focuses on investigating the role of microbial diversity in how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for reducing biodiversity loss and developing sustainable agricultural practices that can adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

In today's age of big data, the ability to accurately analyze and interpret vast amounts of information is critical. This enables us to gain the insights needed to make informed decisions about ecosystem management and conservation. With a background in agricultural sciences and biology, I bring a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles and a keen interest in data analysis. I employ univariate and multivariate statistical methods, utilizing tools such as R and Python, to dissect complex datasets and uncover patterns that inform our understanding of the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

My approach is holistic, considering the various intensities of land use and their impacts on ecosystems. By integrating cutting-edge data analysis techniques with ecological research, I aim to contribute to the development of strategies that promote sustainable land use, mitigate biodiversity loss, and enhance ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.

Additionally, I have a strong interest in innovative agricultural techniques such as vertical farming and agrivoltaics. These methods offer promising solutions to address climate change, ensure food security, and enhance the sustainability of agriculture. Vertical farming reduces the land requirements of food production (land sparing approach), while agrivoltaics combines agricultural production with solar energy generation (land sharing approach), optimizing land use and reducing environmental impact. My goal is to explore and advance these technologies to protect biodiversity and support a sustainable future for agriculture.

Current Project

The  (BE) are a large-scale long-term monitoring platform set of forest and grassland plots spread over three regions across Germany.

The of the BE aims to investigate the soil microbial diversity and community composition of grassland and forest ecosystems along land-use gradients. Within the project my focus is the fungal community in the soil.

Within this project my aim is to:

- Assess the effects of land use management intensities on the fungal communities in the soil in forest and grassland

- Determine causal effects of biodiversity perturbation in response to climate change under different levels of anthropocentric interference

- Provide knowledge that can support sustainable land use and reduce biodiversity loss in forest and grassland ecosystems.

The Biodiversity Exploratories (BE) is a large-scale, long-term monitoring platform comprising forest and grassland plots across three regions in Germany.

Core project 8 of the BE focuses on investigating soil microbial diversity and community composition in grassland and forest ecosystems along land-use gradients. My research within this project centers on the soil fungal community.

My specific aims within this project are to:

• Assess the impact of varying land-use management intensities on soil fungal communities in both forest and grassland ecosystems.
• Determine the causal effects of biodiversity perturbations in response to climate change across different levels of human interference.
• Provide insights that support sustainable land use and mitigate biodiversity loss in forest and grassland ecosystems.

Memberships

CV / Scientific Career

List of Publications

Iacono R., Slavov G.T., Davey C., Clifton-Brown J., Allison G., Bosch M. (2023): Variability of cell wall recalcitrance and composition in genotypes of Miscanthus from different genetic groups and geographical origin, Front. Plant Sci. volume: 14, DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1155188

Bhatia R., Dalton S., Roberts L.A., Morón-García O., Iacono R., Kosik O., Gallagher J.A., Bosch M. (2019): Modified expression of ZmMYB167 in Brachypodium distachyon and Zea mays leads to increased cell wall lignin and phenolic content.  Sci.Rep. 9,8800. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45225-9

Iacono R., Lancilli C., Nocito F.F. (2011): Regulation of sulphate uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana: The possible role of STRAM1. Minerva Biotecnologica, 23 (suppl. 1), 62-63

Conference Contributions

Conference abstract

Iacono R., Allison G., Bosch M. (2020):Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation on phenological, physiological and biomass conversion traits in natural accessions and hybrids of Miscanthus spp. Abstract for Monogram 2020 Conference (Cancelled for COVID19). University of Dundee, Dundee (UK).

Talks

Barbera C.A., Iacono R. (2022). Emerging evidence on rice (O. sativa L.) irrigated with water contaminated by residual pharmaceutical chemicals. International One Health Conference 2022, Catania (Italy)

Iacono R., Allison G., Boch M. (2018): Miscanthus cell wall recalcitrance to deconstruction: Can we tar a whole genus with the same brush?,VIII Plant Cell Wall Conference, Asilomar (California, USA)

Posters

Iacono R., Allison G., Boch M. (2019). Assessing the variability of cell wall characteristics in Miscanthus from various genetic backgrounds, XV Cell Wall Meeting (2019),Cambridge, UK

Iacono R., Allison G., Boch M. (2019). Biomass fit for biorefineries: detailed characterization of lignocellulosic biomass from 12 Miscanthus  genotypes, IV LBNet Meeting, Manchester, UK

Iacono R., Allison G., Boch M. (2018). Miscanthus cell wall recalcitrance to deconstruction: Can we tar a whole genus with the same brush? III LBNet Meeting, Manchester, UK