Horticultural Crop Physiologist Arrives in Aggieland

By Adam Russell

Rossi earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural sciences and crop production and management of the agroecosystem, respectively, from the University of Pisa, Italy. He received his doctorate in agrobiosciences-plant biology from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna.

As an assistant professor at the University of Florida, Rossi studied plant and root physiology to improve root health and fruit crop productivity. He also worked to develop sustainable and effective management methods for specialty fruit crops like citrus, olives, peaches and muscadines.

“My area of expertise is stress physiology and understanding how grapes and other fruits perform under stresses like cold or heat, drought or nutritional deficiencies in the soil,” he said. “The idea is to identify management practices that improve yields and reduce inputs when nature isn’t cooperating with producers.”

Engaging producers, inspiring students

Rossi immediately plans to engage with grape and fruit producers across the state to learn about their local challenges. He believes his previous experience is applicable to a range of ongoing cross-disciplinary horticulture-based research projects across Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the College.

“Texas is a candy shop for a stress physiologist because of the wide range of factors that producers here navigate season to season,” he said. “Most of my research is applied science, so hearing their needs will guide my effort. At the end of the day, my work is about positive impacts for producers.”

Rossi is establishing his lab on campus and will initially be teaching the undergraduate course – Horticultural Science and Practices. His previous work includes time as a guest lecturer in the department.

“My passion is teaching and mentoring students,” he said. “I want to inspire them and help them find their passion in horticulture.”