Mihajlo Risteski

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihajlo Risteski is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Forestry, Landscape Architecture and Eco-Engineering “Hans Em”, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. Since 2020 he has been responsible for teaching phytopathology and forest protection courses, running laboratory exercises, and conducting molecular diagnostics within the Department of Forest and Wood Protection.

Education

• 2006 – Graduate Forest Engineer, Faculty of Forestry, Skopje (thesis on hypoviruses in Cryphonectria parasitica)
• 2011 – Master of Forestry Sciences (thesis on vegetative compatibility and hypovirulence of Cryphonectria parasitica isolates from Bulgaria)
• 2018 – Doctor of Forestry Sciences (thesis on distribution and diversity of pathogenic Phytophthora spp. in North Macedonia)

Research Focus

Dr. Risteski’s research integrates classical phytopathology with modern molecular techniques. He investigates symptomatology, isolation, cultivation and DNA-based detection of forest pathogens, with particular emphasis on Cryphonectria parasitica and Phytophthora species causing chestnut blight and root rots. He employs lyophilisation, DNA extraction, Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to unravel pathogen diversity and to evaluate in situ biological control strategies such as hypovirulence-mediated attenuation of chestnut blight.

Scientific Output & Trends

Across more than 25 peer-reviewed articles since 2007, a clear temporal trend emerges: early work concentrated on the distribution and vegetative compatibility of C. parasitica in Bulgaria and North Macedonia, while recent studies (2020–2024) combine population genetics, temporal monitoring, and applied biocontrol trials. His publications bridge fundamental research on pathogen population structure with practical applications in forest protection, often integrating collaborators from Europe and North America.

Collaborations & Grants

• Participated in eight completed national and multilateral research projects.
• Short-term scientific missions: Cornell University (USA), WSL Birmensdorf (Switzerland), University of Aberdeen (UK), Istanbul Poplar Research Institute (Turkey).
• Active contributor to COST Actions FP0801 and related European networks through workshops in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Portugal, Sweden and Spain.

Laboratory & Teaching Activities

He manages the phytopathology laboratory at the Faculty, conducting molecular and morphological analyses for both research and routine diagnostics. His teaching portfolio includes Phytopathology, Diseases of Ornamental Plants, Tree Protection, Mushroom Identification and Production, Introduction to Forestry, and Computer Applications in forestry.