Maria Hellström

Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Plant Protection Biology

E-mail

Research and EMA Database

Presentation

I am a horticultural scientist with a strong interest in understanding biological systems and their role in sustainable crop production. My work spans plant science, microbiology, and agricultural research, with a particular focus on plant–microbe interactions and biological control. I enjoy exploring how scientific knowledge can drive practical solutions and support the development of more sustainable, resilient food production systems.

Research

Currently working in an interdisciplinary EU-funded project: DisCoverCrop!

Part of a transnational research project aiming to identify effective cover crop strategies for potato systems in Northwestern Europe (EE, SE, NO, NL, DE). The project will conduct multi-site field experiments and farmer-led trials to evaluate established and novel cover crops, with a focus on soil health, disease suppression, microbial diversity, and potato yield. A co-creation, multi-actor approach will be used to engage researchers, farmers, and stakeholders, address knowledge gaps, consider socio-economic factors, and support evidence-based adoption of cover crops.

During my doctoral studies, my focus was on the integrated control of fungal pathogens were a combination of biocontrol agents (BCAs) and LED lamps was tested. Within the project, three commercial BCAs were tested against foliar pathogens in greenhouse-grown tomatoes under a range of light spectra. This was part of a SLF-funded project.

Research projects

DisCoverCrop - SLU hemsida

Teaching

Has been part of the teaching team for the master course BI1310 Microbial Horticulture, 15 credits, 2020, 2022-2024, 2026. Responsibilities have included preparing and leading student laboratories and aiding in the oral examination.

Led an afternoon workshop for youths from the Future Farmers of America on how to propagate ornamentals and taught the importance of propagation at the 2017 NYS FFA COLT Conference, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.

Educational credentials