Innovative Research Award
Sara Godena
Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Croatia
Sara Godena is a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Croatia whose documented scholarly activity falls within Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Her research profile includes plant health, olive production, biological control, plant-derived antimicrobial agents, and sustainable approaches to agricultural disease management. Her reported research record comprises 36 documents, 388 citations, and an h-index of 11. [1]
Abstract
Sara Godena’s research portfolio demonstrates a focus on practical agricultural and plant-health challenges, particularly those affecting olive cultivation. Recent studies address olive-associated fungal and bacterial pathogens, essential oils, plant-based agents, olive mill wastewater, pathogen diversity, and varietal susceptibility. These themes connect biological research with environmentally conscious disease-management strategies and contribute to the development of alternatives to conventional chemical control. [2]
Keywords
Olive pathology; plant health; biological control; essential oils; plant-based agents; Botryosphaeriaceae; Pseudomonas savastanoi; olive mill wastewater; sustainable agriculture; agricultural microbiology.
Introduction
Olive production is affected by diverse fungal and bacterial organisms that can influence plant health and productivity. Godena’s recent publications investigate these challenges through pathogen characterization, antimicrobial evaluation, varietal assessment, and exploration of plant-derived or agricultural by-product-based interventions. Such research is relevant to integrated plant disease management and the broader objective of reducing reliance on conventional inputs. [3]
Research Profile
The research profile combines plant pathology, microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable crop protection. Published work examines both pathogen biology and potential control measures, creating a research pathway from identification and characterization toward application-oriented disease management.
Research Contributions
- Assessment of olive-associated Botryosphaeriaceae diversity and pathogenicity in Istria, Croatia. [5]
- Investigation of plant-based agents and essential oils for antimicrobial and antifungal activity. [3]
- Evaluation of olive mill wastewater as a potential source of bioactive compounds for plant disease management. [2]
Publications
Selected recent publications include studies in Horticulturae, Agronomy, Agriculture, Plants, and Microorganisms. The 2025 Horticulturae article examines physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity of olive mill wastewaters against Botryosphaeriaceae, while related studies investigate plant-based growth promoters, green bactericides, essential oils, fungal pathogens, and bacterial disease susceptibility. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Research Impact
The reported 388 citations and h-index of 11 indicate measurable scholarly visibility within the researcher’s indexed publication record. [1] The thematic continuity of the publications also demonstrates relevance to sustainable crop protection, especially where biological activity, plant-derived compounds, and agricultural residues can be evaluated as components of integrated management.
Award Suitability
The documented publication record, citation profile, and research emphasis provide a scholarly basis for consideration for the Innovative Research Award associated with the International Soil Scientist Awards. Particular relevance arises from research connecting agricultural production with plant protection and environmentally oriented approaches to pathogen management. Award consideration should be based on the complete nomination dossier and independent evaluation criteria.
Conclusion
Sara Godena’s research profile reflects sustained engagement with agricultural and biological sciences, with notable emphasis on olive health, plant pathogens, biological activity, and sustainable crop-protection approaches. Her indexed research output and recent publications provide a coherent foundation for academic recognition in innovative agricultural research.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Sara Godena, Author ID 36760599700. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/36760599700
- MDPI. (2025). Integrated Analysis of Olive Mill Wastewaters: Physicochemical Profiling, Antifungal Activity, and Biocontrol Potential Against Botryosphaeriaceae. Horticulturae, 11(7), 819. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae11070819
- MDPI. (2025). Potential of Plant-Based Agents as Next-Generation Plant Growth-Promotors and Green Bactericides Against Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. Agronomy, 15(4), 819. DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15040819
- MDPI. (2025). Antifungal Efficacy of Essential Oils and Their Predominant Components Against Olive Fungal Pathogens. Agriculture, 15(3), 340. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15030340
- MDPI. (2024). Diversity and Pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Isolated from Olives in Istria, Croatia, and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance. Plants, 13(13), 1813. DOI: 10.3390/plants13131813
- MDPI. (2024). Varietal Susceptibility of Olive to Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi and the Antibacterial Potential of Plant-Based Agents. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1301. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071301