Antonios Tsagarakis

Antonios Tsagarakis serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Production Entomology at the School of Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, specializing in sustainable pest management solutions for Mediterranean agricultural systems.

His academic credentials include:

• Postdoctoral studies (2010) in Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida
• Doctoral degree (2007) in Plant Production Science from the Agricultural University of Athens
• Postgraduate Diploma (2001) in Plant Production Science from the Agricultural University of Athens
• Agricultural Engineer Degree (1999) from the Agricultural University of Athens

Dr. Tsagarakis' research centers on agricultural entomology with emphases on biological control, vector-borne plant diseases (notably Xylella fastidiosa transmission), and insect population dynamics in agroecosystems. His work investigates how agricultural practices like fertilization regimes, weed management, and pruning affect pest populations in citrus and olive orchards, alongside developing eco-friendly control methods using botanical extracts and parasitoid monitoring.

His scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on practical Mediterranean agriculture challenges, particularly through conference presentations analyzing pest-vector relationships and botanical insecticide efficacy, reflecting commitment to field-applicable integrated pest management strategies.

Key recognitions include:

• 1st Prize for Best Presentation at the 17th Entomological Conference of Greece (2017)

He actively coordinates major research initiatives as Principal Investigator for EU Horizon 2020's OPTIMA project and regional Greek programs addressing olive fly control, Natura 2000 site conservation, and precision spraying technologies. Funded by entities including the North Aegean Region, DuPont, and the Ministry of Agricultural Development, these projects integrate field trials with ecological monitoring to develop sustainable pest management frameworks.

Dr. Tsagarakis maintains active laboratory engagement through the Agricultural University's Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology and contributes to multidisciplinary research teams focusing on precision agriculture technologies and biodiversity conservation in protected areas.