Francesco Giuffrida

Francesco Giuffrida is an Associate Professor in Horticulture and Floriculture at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania. With a PhD in Plant Productivity (2001), he has held academic roles since 1994, including Researcher (AGR/04 sector, 2008-2014) and Visiting Researcher at Lancaster Environment Centre (2012-2013).

• Education: BS in Agricultural Sciences (1994), PhD in Plant Productivity (2001)
• Leadership: Quality Manager (2015-2018), President of Agricultural Sciences Degree Program (2016-2019)

His research focuses on soilless cultivation systems, plant stress responses, and vegetable quality optimization, particularly in Mediterranean environments. He investigates biometric methodologies, organic substrates, nutrient management, and environmental impacts of hydroponics.

Scientific Contributions:

• 147+ publications on topics like hydroponics, salinity stress mitigation via grafting, and photoselective film applications
• Active referee/editor for journals including HortScience and Scientia Horticulturae
• Participant in EU COST Actions on sustainable greenhouse horticulture and vegetable grafting

Teaching: Courses in General Botany, Biotechnologies for Horticulture, Horticultural Nursery, and Vegetable Quality. Office hours available in person and via Microsoft Teams.