Curriculum summary

Degree in Chemistry from the Autonomous University of Madrid and PhD in Biology from the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB). Director of the Institute of Agro-environmental Research and Water Economics (INAGEA), and researcher of the Research Group of Plant Biology in Mediterranean Conditions. Professor and member of the Department of Biology. My main line of research deals with the biology and physiology of grapevine and its responses under different abiotic stresses, as well as aspects of crop management and its effects on grape quality under the concept of sustainability of Mediterranean agrosystems in a scenario of global change.

In recent research projects, I have delved into the plant-environment interaction at different levels: first, the influence of genotype and water availability on water and carbon balances in grapevine (AGL2011 30408 C04 01), genetic pathways to improve water use efficiency, quantifying intravarietal and intraclonal variability in this parameter (AGL2014-54201-C4-1-R and AGL2017-83738-C3-1-R).  Based on the results obtained in these research projects, two DSS have been developed within the framework of a proof-of-concept project (PDC2021-121210-C22) that allows the selection of the rootstock and the highly innovative seasonal irrigation recommendation for the Spanish wine sector. On another level, sustainable practices related to soil and irrigation management such as mulching and cover crops, deficit irrigation strategies, etc., have been evaluated in order to improve water balances and water use efficiency in vineyards. In addition, the influence of these practices on the diversity and functionality of the soil microbiome and its role in the acquisition of water and nutrients by roots has been studied (Vitismart, EU).

In parallel, I have led applied projects related to the study of the behavior of woody species (olive and almond trees) against water stress in agreement with companies in the wine sector and other agricultural companies. As a result of this research activity, I am the author of 63 research papers published in journals and 9 in book chapters. In addition, I am author and co-author of more than 100 papers presented at national and international conferences. During my research career I have collaborated with different international research groups, I have been part of commissions and scientific evaluation committees in different evaluation agencies, congresses, as well as journal evaluation panels. I currently chair the viticulture group of the Spanish Society of Horticultural Sciences. In the teaching field, I am involved in teaching in the degree of Agroalimentary Engineering of the UIB, and in different Master and PhD programs and I have directed and/or co-directed three doctoral theses, several master’s theses and a multitude of final degree projects.

Research indicators

– Number of SCI articles: 63

– Six-year period: 3

– H Index: 29

-Citations: 4992