About David Pires
I am a plant health researcher specializing in the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes, host–microbe interactions, and the development of sustainable management strategies for agricultural and forestry systems. My research is driven by a central question: how can biologically and ecologically grounded interactions between nematophagous fungi, microbiomes, and host plants be translated into scalable, field-applicable management strategies for plant-parasitic nematodes? This question bridges mechanistic laboratory research and applied field systems, positioning my work at the interface between host–microbe interaction biology and the practical challenges of sustainable agriculture and forestry.
I hold a BSc in Biology-Geology (2014) and an MSc in Ecology (2016) from the University of Minho and am currently completing my PhD in Biology at the University of Évora, focused on the biocontrol potential of nematophagous fungi against the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.
Over nearly a decade of research experience since completing my MSc, I have held competitive fellowships across multiple Portuguese institutions and contributed to six national and two EU-funded research projects. My training includes an international research stay at Charles University and the Czech Academy of Sciences, further strengthening my expertise in microbial ecology and experimental plant health approaches.
My publication record reflects sustained productivity and scientific impact relative to career stage. I have authored twelve peer-reviewed papers in Q1–Q2 indexed journals, including five as first author and two as corresponding author. These publications have received more than 250 citations, with a self-citation rate below 10%, yielding an h-index of 6 that is fully maintained when self-citations are excluded. I have also contributed an invited book chapter to a Springer volume on microbial volatile organic compounds and plant health.
Beyond my publication record, I have delivered 18 oral presentations, including five invited talks, presented 21 posters, receiving a Best Poster award, and organized and served on the scientific committees of two international nematology conferences. I have completed 113 verified peer reviews for 44 international journals. My editorial roles include guest editor for Frontiers in Plant Science and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), where the PNAS Editorial Board recruited me to oversee the evaluation of a Direct Submission in my area of expertise. My work was also featured in an interview for Botany One, the official platform of the Annals of Botany Company, communicating my research to a broad audience.
📃 For more information, visit ➡️ https://sites.google.com/view/davidpires/home
Recent Comments
Very interesting perspective!
As this type of problem would be perceived in agroecology here in Brazil, the nematode is not the cause, but a symptom of a more complex or systemic problem. We would commonly say that the system is sick, creating conditions for ecological imbalances — such as pests, invasive species, etc. — to take hold.
See if what I say next makes any sense.
When considering a set of factors, such as soil degradation, water stress, and low species diversity, which are considered to be contributing factors to the problem, I think this is the case.
So, I wonder if removing affected trees would be a palliative solution or induce positive feedback by contributing to the reduction of vegetation cover and, therefore, of the system that regulates infiltration and evapotranspiration, in addition to exposing more soil.
In addition to palliative measures, would it be interesting to adopt management actions aimed at promoting a richer and more functional ecological structure, as is done in agroecology, especially in the case of agroforestry?
These approaches have been shown to promote an enrichment of ecosystem services, such as soil quality and function, water availability and biodiversity enrichment, i.e. the same factors mentioned as problems in the text.
Perhaps agroecology approaches can contribute to other fields, such as the management of natural ecosystems.
Does this make sense?
Thank you, Leon, I really appreciate your perspective.
I agree that pine wilt disease reflects deeper ecological imbalances. The parallel with agroecology is spot on, though translating those principles to forest systems can be tricky, given the phytosanitary measures that require tree removal and containment.
Your point about feedback loops is also very relevant: reducing canopy cover in drought-prone areas can intensify water stress, which our study also highlighted. That's why adaptive, landscape-level management, integrating hydrology, diversity, and structure, is so important.
And I completely agree: approaches from agroecology can inspire more resilient forest management, especially when we think beyond pathogen control toward restoring ecological function.