Dr. Marzieh Kashkouli is a distinguished researcher in biotechnology and pest control, focusing on microbial symbionts in insects, biological pest management, and insect genomics. Her pioneering investigations into insect-associated bacteria have advanced the understanding of host–microbe interactions and their implications for sustainable agriculture. She has made notable contributions through genome-based research that led to the identification of a new bacterial symbiont, Candidatus Pantoea persica, a significant discovery in the field of microbial evolution. Dr. Kashkouli’s research emphasizes the manipulation of insect symbionts to develop environmentally friendly pest control strategies and explores the molecular mechanisms behind pest resistance. Her studies integrate molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to unravel complex biological relationships. She has authored numerous papers in international journals and contributed a book chapter on microbial approaches to insect pest management. Her scientific collaborations include international projects examining genome reduction in symbionts and pesticide resistance in whiteflies. She has also investigated the ecological and physiological effects of symbionts on host insects and plant defense mechanisms. Dr. Kashkouli’s extensive laboratory and analytical expertise strengthen her multidisciplinary research approach. She has contributed significantly to biological control and integrated pest management frameworks. Her work bridges molecular-level insights with applied agricultural practices. Through innovative experimentation and genome sequencing, she continues to uncover novel microbial interactions in pest species. Her studies have revealed evolutionary patterns among insect symbionts with practical pest management applications. She plays an active role as a reviewer for scientific journals and as an invited speaker at international conferences. Her achievements reflect strong dedication to advancing biotechnology and entomology. Dr. Kashkouli’s leadership in research and collaboration promotes innovation in sustainable agriculture. Her findings provide valuable insights into microbial ecology, pest biology, and symbiont-based control strategies. Through continued scholarly contributions, she remains committed to bridging molecular biology and applied pest science.
Featured Publications
Kashkouli, M., Castelli, M., Floriano, A. M., Bandi, C., Epis, S., Fathipour, Y., Mehrabadi, M., & Sassera, D. (2021). Characterization of a novel Pantoea symbiont allows inference of a pattern of convergent genome reduction in bacteria associated with Pentatomidae. Environmental Microbiology.
Kashkouli, M., Fathipour, Y., & Mehrabadi, M. (2021). The crucial role of the endosymbiont Pantoea sp. in morphology and mating of the pistachio green stink bug, Brachynema germari (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology.
Kashkouli, M., Fathipour, Y., & Mehrabadi, M. (2020). Habitat visualization, acquisition features and necessity of the gammaproteobacterial symbiont of pistachio stink bug, Acrosternum heegeri (Hem.: Pentatomidae). Bulletin of Entomological Research.
Kashkouli, M., Fathipour, Y., Mehrabadi, M., & Hulcr, J. (2019). Heritable gammaproteobacterial symbiont improves the fitness of Brachynema germari Kolenati (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Environmental Entomology.
Kashkouli, M., Fathipour, Y., & Mehrabadi, M. (2019). Potential management tactics for pistachio stink bugs, Brachynema germari, Acrosternum heegeri and Acrosternum arabicum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): High temperature and chemical surface sterilants leading to symbiont suppression. Journal of Economic Entomology.
Kashkouli, M., Khajehali, J., & Poorjavad, N. (2014). Impact of entomopathogenic nematodes on Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) life stages in the laboratory and under semi-field conditions. Journal of Biopesticides.