Josep Usall i Rodié

Josep Usall i Rodié is the General Director of the Institute of Agro-Food Research and Technology (IRTA), a leading research institution in Catalonia, Spain. He has held multiple leadership roles at IRTA, including Head of the Postharvest Program, Director of the Postharvest Technical Service, and Coordinator of the Sustainable Plant Protection Program. He also contributed to international cooperation as the director of the Center for International Cooperation at the University of Lleida (UdL).

• PhD in Agronomic Engineering, University of Lleida (1995)
• Enginyer Agrònom, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (1987–1989)
• Enginyer Tècnic Agrícola, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (1984–1987)
• Specialist in International Trade, Terrassa Chamber of Commerce (1991–1992)

His research focuses on postharvest pathology, particularly the biological and physical control of fruit diseases. He has pioneered work on Monilia and Penicillium pathogens in stone fruits, developing epidemiological models and genomic-based resistance studies. His scientific interests include sustainable plant protection, integrated pest management, and postharvest technologies aimed at reducing chemical use and food waste.

The most recent publications highlight trends in biological control agents (e.g., Candida sake, Pantoea agglomerans), epidemiological modeling of fruit diseases, and novel physical treatments such as microwave and curing methods. Research spans from field-level inoculum dynamics to postharvest interventions, reflecting an integrated approach to disease management.

• Nearly 200 scientific articles in indexed journals
• Over 150 national and international conference presentations
• Twelve book chapters and ten edited books
• Three patents in postharvest technology and biological control
• Director of the IRTA International Postharvest Course

Josep Usall i Rodié has supervised numerous research projects and coordinated major initiatives such as Fruit.Net, aimed at optimizing phytosanitary applications and reducing fruit waste in Catalonia. He has led teams focused on biocontrol agent development and postharvest innovation. His international collaborations include research stays at USDA-ARS (USA), University of California-Davis, Universidade do Algarve (Portugal), and Ruakura Research Center (New Zealand).