Martino Balestra
Master en conservation
martino.balestra@unine.ch
Research domain
With a background in environmental engineering and a strong focus on alpine ecosystems, my research explores the intricate adaptations of high-altitude plant species. Under the guidance of Prof. Sergio Rasmann, I investigate how alpine and subnival species adapt to their extreme environments by combining metabolomics with functional ecology. By studying both physiological and biochemical traits, my work aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these plants to survive and function in some of the most challenging conditions on Earth.
- Alpine and subnival plant species
- Metabolomics and phytochemical diversity
- Functional ecology and trait-based analysis
- High-altitude plant adaptations
Project
This research project is dedicated to understanding the biochemical and functional traits that allow alpine and subnival species to survive at high altitudes. The study focuses on secondary metabolites and their role in plant adaptation to environmental pressures such as extreme temperatures, high UV exposure, and limited resources. By analysing how different growth forms and plant organs allocate these metabolites, the project seeks to uncover the phytochemical diversity that supports plant survival across altitudinal gradients.
The research also aims to connect these metabolic traits with classical functional ecology, revealing new dimensions of plant form and function. Ultimately, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of how alpine species may evolve under the pressures of climate change, and how their unique biochemical strategies ensure their resilience in such extreme environments.
Other
Research and teaching assistant at HEPIA Geneva (group of Plant ecology applied to restoration and conservation – EVA).
Press
I prati secchi del Pizzo Leone – RSI, Il giardino di Albert, 12.05.2024
