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Immacolata Caruso

  • Technical Staff
  • immacolata.caruso@nano.cnr.it
  • Modena
  • +39059 2055191
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Short Bio

I have an academic and professional background in plant genetic improvement, with extensive research experience in this field. I hold a Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnologies from the University of Naples Federico II and an international PhD in Environmental Resources Sciences (Italy/Chile: University of Naples Federico II; Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco). Additionally, I’m also qualified as Responsible for Scientific Laboratory, through an NRC (National Research Council) fellowship at the Institute of Plant Genetics (IGV), Portici. I have developed solid expertise in polyploidization in Solanum species and its implications for crop improvement, focusing on genetic, epigenetic, phenotypic, and metabolic plant traits, with emphasis on tolerance and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. As a researcher at the NRC-IBBA (Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, Milan), I contributed to applied projects in sustainable agriculture, including bioenergy and biorefinery approaches using non-food crops for biofuel and high value-added products.

 

During my experience in a multinational seed company, I gained strong competencies in plant breeding and selection. I contributed to developing productive, resilient, and adaptable varieties, supporting food security and reducing environmental impact.

 

In July 2023, I won a national competition as a Technical Research Collaborator at the NRC- DISBA (Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Science).

 

In January 2026, I have been temporarily assigned to the Institute of Nanoscience (S3-Modena), providing technical support and contributing to research and science communication activities across both institutions.

Research Interests

My research interests cover plant genetic improvement, from basic to applied research in both public and private sectors:

  • Agronomy & Phenotyping: Field trials, controlled self- and cross-pollination; evaluation of phenological and agronomic traits; marker-assisted selection (MAS); phenotypic observations; fruit and plant quality assessment; gas exchange measurements; morpho-anatomical analyses.
  • Cellular Biology: Optical and fluorescence microscopy; chromosome counting; tissue and lamina analysis.
  • In Vitro Culture & Biotechnology: Plant propagation; callus induction; tissue and organ culture; polyploidy induction; haploid plant generation; metabolite production.
  • Molecular Biology & Genomics: DNA/RNA extraction; PCR, RACE-PCR, cDNA synthesis; RT-PCR; Northern and Southern blotting; DNA/RNA/cDNA cloning; copy number determination; molecular markers; protein extraction; Bradford assay; SDS-PAGE.
  • Plant Pathology & Stress Physiology: Evaluation of resistance/tolerance to biotic stresses (fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases) and abiotic stresses (frost, drought, and salinity).

Selected Recent Projects

Selected Publications

  • A. Narciso and I. Caruso. The emergence of NGT and their Perspectives for Geographical Indications Sustainability. Innovations in the Grapevine sector. WORLDWIDE PERSPECTIVES ON GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS international conference for Researchers, policy makers and practitioners 18 – 21 February 2025 Rome, FAO; oral presentation 91-92 https://giconf2025.sciencesconf.org/data/pages/GIConf2025_Book_of_Abstracts.pdf
  • E. Poeta, I. Caruso, et al. Quality monitoring of table grapes stored in controlled atmosphere using an S3+ MOS nanosensor device. Postharvest Biol. Technol 227, 113587 (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.113587.
  • R. Aversano, I. Caruso, et al. Genotype-specific changes associated to early synthesis of autotetraploids in wild potato species. Euphytica, 202: 307-316 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-014-1338-3.
  • V. D'Amelia, R. Aversano, G. Batelli, I. Caruso, et al. High AN1 variability and interaction with basic helix-loop-helix co-factors related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato leaves. The Plant Journal. 80:527-540 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.12653.
  • T. Docimo, I. Caruso, et al. Molecular characterization of edestin gene family in Cannabis sativa Plant Physiol. Biochem 84:142-148 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2014.09.01.
  • R. Aversano, M. R. Ercolano, I. Caruso, et al. The Role of Bioinformatics in Agriculture – Chapter 4 Molecolar tools for exploring polyploidy genomes in plants 73:97 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1201/b16568.
  • I. Caruso et al. Impact of Ploidy Change on Secondary Metabolites and Photochemical Efficiency in Solanum bulbocastanum. Prod. Commun 8:1387-1392 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X1300801.
  • R. Aversano, I. Caruso et al. Stochastic changes affect Solanum wild species following autopolyploidization. Exp. Bot. 64 (2), 625-635 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/ers357.