CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Details
Surname : Tzortzakis
Name : Nikolaos
Father’s name : Georgios
Day of birth : 8 July 1974
Place of birth : Chania - Crete
Nationality : Greek
Marital status : Single
Military service : Accomplish
Address : Solid Waste & Waste Water Management Lab, School of Agricultural Technology, TEI
of Crete, Stavromenos, 71004, Heraklion, Greece
Tel/Fax: +30 2810 379477
E-mail: ntzortzakis@staff.teicrete.gr
Education and qualifications
2002-2006. Ph.D. in Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Horticultural Crops. School of Biology,
University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
2000-2002. M.Sc. in ‘Horticulture Quality Management’, in the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of
Chania (MAICh).
2000-2001. Postgraduate studies DSPU (Specialized Post-University Diploma) at the Mediterranean
Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), International Centre of Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies
(CIHEAM). Department: Horticultural Science and Technology.
1993 – 1999. Acquisition of Agronomics degree (B.Sc & M.Eng), School of Geotehnic Science
(specialization in Horticulture, Plant Sciences), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.TH.), Greece. Thesis on tissue culture examine:
Scholarships
■ 2008-2009. Postdoctoral scholarship by the Greek Scholarship Foundation (IKY) for research in NAGREF.
■ 2002-2005. Greek Scholarship Foundation (IKY) for research towards a PhD degree in University of
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
■ 2000-2002. CIHEAM Scholarship (International Centre of Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies),
MAICh, in Chania, Crete, for DSPU degree (MAICh) and for research towards a MSc degree in the laboratory of ‘Hydroponics and Aromatic Plants’ of the Institute of Subtropical Plants and Olive Tree (NAGREF),
Chania, Crete.
Reviewer in International Journals
Journal of Food Quality (I.F. 0.269), Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, Scientia Agricola (I.F. 0.346),
Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology, Crop Protection (I.F.1.050), Fruits, Ιnnovative Food Science &
Emerging Technologies (I.F. 2.012), Postharvest Biology and Technology(I.F. 1.950), Journal of Essential
Oil-Bearing Plants.
PhD –Books
1.
Studies in vitro culture. BSc.1998
2.
Soilless cultivation of tomato in different growing media (organic and inorganic mixtures of different substrates). MSc.2001.
3.
Atmospheric Ozone-Enrichment for the Preservation of Fresh Produce. PhD. 2006
Patent/Publications
1.
International Patent No PCT/GB2004/003102. Apparatus and Method for the Ozone Preservation of
Crops (19 July 2004). Biofresh Ltd, Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
1

1.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2005. Shredded maize stems as an alternative substrate medium.
Effect on growth, flowering and yield of tomato in soilless culture. Journal of Vegetable Science 11: 57-
70.
2.
Tzortzakis NG , Singleton I, Barnes J, 2007. Deployment of low-level ozone-enrichment for the preservation of fresh produce in chilled storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 43: 261-270.
3.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2007. Maintaining postharvest quality of the tomato fruit by employing methyl jasmonate and ethanol vapor treatment. Journal of Food Quality, 30: 567-580.
4.
Tzortzakis NG , 2007. Maintaining postharvest quality of fresh produce with volatile compounds.
Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 8: 111-116.
5.
Tzortzakis NG , Borland A, Singleton I, Barnes J, 2007. Impact of atmospheric ozone-enrichment on quality-related attributes of tomato fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 45: 317-326.
6.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2007. Antifungal activity of lemongrass (Cympopogon citratus L.) essential oil against key postharvest pathogens. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies,
8: 253-258.
7.
Tzortzakis NG , 2007. Methyl jasmonate-induced suppression anthracnose rot in tomato fruit. Crop
Protection, 26: 1507-1513..
8.
Tzortzakis NG , 2007. Antifungal activity of the essential oils against green mould (Penicillium digitatum). Agrothesis, 5: 19-25.
9.
Tzortzakis NG , Singleton I, Barnes J, 2008. Impacts of low-level atmospheric ozone-enrichment on black spot and anthracnose rot of tomato fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 47: 1-9.
10.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2007. Shredded maize stems as an alternative medium: Effect on water and nutrient uptake by tomato in soilless culture. Journal of Vegetable Science, 13, 103-122.
11.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2008. Impacts of the substrate medium on tomato yield and fruit quality in soilless cultivation. Journal of Horticultural Science, 35: 83-89.
12.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2008. Deployment of shredded maize stems as an alternative substrate medium in tomato soilless culture. Effect on yield and fruit quality per truss. Agrothesis, 6: 20-
28.
13.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Ιnfluence of NaCl and calcium nitrate on lettuce and endive growth using nutrient film technique. Ιnternational Journal of Vegetable Science, 15: 1-13.
14.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Impact of cinnamon oil-enrichment on microbial spoilage of fresh produce.
Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 10: 97-102.
15.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Alleviation of Salinity - Induced Stress in Lettuce Growth by Potassium
Sulphate Using Nutrient Film Technique. International Journal of Vegetable Science, 15:1-14.
16.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Effect of pre-sowing treatment on seed germination and seedling vigour in endive and chicory. Journal of Horticultural Science, 36:117-125.
17.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Essential oil: Innovative tool to improve the preservation of fresh produce—a review. Fresh Produce (Special Issue), 3: 87-97.
18.
Kelepesi S, Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Olive-mill Wastes - A Growing Medium Component for Seedling and Crop Production of Lettuce and Chicory. International Journal of Vegetable Science, 15:325-339.
19.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Potassium and calcium enrichment alleviate salinity-induced stress in hydroponically grown endives. Journal of Horticultural Science, 37:155-162.
20.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Ethanol, vinegar and Origanum vulgare oil vapour suppress the development of anthracnose rot in tomato fruit. International Journal of Food Microbiology, in press.
21.
Chondraki S, Tzerakis C, Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Influence of NaCl and calcium foliar spray on hydroponically grown parsley in NFT system. Journal of Plant Nutrition, in press.
22.
Tzortzakis NG, Taybi T, Roberts R, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2011. Low-level atmospheric ozone exposure induces protection against Botrytis cinerea with down regulation of ethylene-, jasmonate- and pathogenesis- related genes in tomato fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, in press.
More than 90 citations.
2

Conference/seminars presentations (Oral and Posters)
1.
Tzortzakis NG , Barnes J, 2003. Use of atmospheric ozone-enrichment for the preservation of fresh produce. Postgraduate Conference, 17-18 June 2003, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
2.
Pintado C, Tzortzakis NG , Roberts R, Singleton I, Barnes J, 2004. Preservation of fresh produce by ozone. International Centenary Conference of Association of Applied Biologists. Advances in applied biology: providing new opportunities for consumers and producers in the 21st century. 15-17 Dec. 2004,
Oxforth, UK.
3.
Tzortzakis NG , Taybi T, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2004. Ozone-enrichment vaccinates tomato fruit against grey mould (Botrytis cinerea). International Centenary Conference of Association of
Applied Biologists. Advances in applied biology: providing new opportunities for consumers and producers in the 21st century. 15-17 Dec. 2004, Oxforth, UK.
4.
Tzortzakis NG , Taybi T, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2004. Ozone-induced suppression of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) on tomato fruit. Postgraduate Conference, 29 June 2004, University of
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
5.
Tzortzakis NG , Roberts R, Borland A, Barnes J, 2005. Ozone-enriched atmospheres enhance tomato fruit quality. Postgraduate poster session, 20 May 2005, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
6.
Tzortzakis NG , Pintado C, Tallentire E, Singleton I, Barnes J, 2005. Impact of atmospheric ozoneenrichment on microbial spoilage of fresh produce. Postgraduate poster session, 20 May 2005,
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
7.
Tzortzakis NG , Barnes J, 2005. Impact of atmospheric ozone-enrichment on plant-pathogen interactions.
Postgraduate Conference, 20 June 2005, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
8.
Tzortzakis NG , Pintado C, Tallentire E, Singleton I, Barnes J, 2005. Impact of atmospheric ozoneenrichment on microbial spoilage of fresh produce. National Conference of Air Pollution: Committee on
Air Pollution Effects Research (CAPER). 21-23 March 2005, York, UK.
9.
Tzortzakis NG , Taybi T, Roberts R Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2005. Suppression of grey mould
(Botrytis cinerea) on tomato fruit by ozone. National Conference of Air Pollution: Committee on Air
Pollution Effects Research (CAPER). 21-23 March 2005, York, UK.
10.
Tzortzakis NG , Taybi T, Roberts R, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2005. Impacts of atmospheric ozone-enrichment on plant-pathogen interaction. National Conference of Air Pollution: Committee on
Air Pollution Effects Research (CAPER). 21-23 March 2005, York, UK.
11.
Tzortzakis NG , Pintado C, Tallentire E, Singleton I, Barnes J, 2005. Impact of atmospheric ozoneenrichment on microbial spoilage of fresh produce. OZONE IV: Agricultural & Food Processing
Applications of Ozone as an Antimicrobial Agent. 2-4 March 2005, Fresno, CA, USA.
12.
Pintado C, Tzortzakis NG , Singleton I, Barnes J, 2005. Deployment of ozone for the preservation of fresh produce. OZONE IV: Agricultural & Food Processing Applications of Ozone as an Antimicrobial
Agent. 2-4 March 2005, Fresno, CA, USA.
13.
Tzortzakis NG , Roberts R, Borland A, Barnes J, 2005. Ozone-enriched atmospheres enhance tomato fruit quality. OZONE IV: Agricultural & Food Processing Applications of Ozone as an Antimicrobial
Agent. 2-4 March 2005, Fresno, CA, USA
14.
Tzortzakis N , 2006. Postharvest treatments in vegetables: Past-Present-Future. 1 st International
Conference ‘Vegetables in future’ Quality- Collaboration-Prespectives. Geotechnical Chamber of
Greece, Branch of Heraklion, 6-8 July 2006, Ιerapetra, Greece.
15.
Singleton I, Tzortzakis NG , Borland A, Barnes J, 2006. Potential use of ozone gas to reduce fungal spoilage of fresh produce. Stress in yeasts and filamentous fungi. Annual Scientific Meeting of British
Mycological Society, 4-7 Sept 2006, Birmingham, UK.
16.
Tzortzakis N , Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2007. Use of gaseous ozone for tomato storage. 23 rd
Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of Horticultural Science (EEEO), 23-26 October 2007,
Chania.
17.
Τzortzakis Ν , Μetzidakis Ι, 2007. Impacts of heat stress and low oxygen in chestnut storage under controlled and modified atmosphere. 23 rd Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of Horticultural
Science (EEEO), 23-26 October 2007, Chania.
18.
Μetzidakis Ι, Κοubouris G,
Tzortzakis Ν , Gika V, 2007. Evaluation of alternative agricultural practices for efficient use of natural sources and improve economic viability of oliviculture in W. Crete. 23 rd
3

Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of Horticultural Science (EEEO), 23-26 October 2007,
Chania.
19.
Τzortzakis Ν , Economakis C, 2007. Use of shredded maize stems and perlite in hydroponically grown tomato. Effects in productivity and fruit quality per truss. 23 rd Panhellinic Conference of Greek
Association of Horticultural Science (EEEO), 23-26 October 2007, Chania.
20.
Tzortzakis NG , Economakis CD, 2007. Effect of the substrate on yield and fruit quality of tomato plants in soilless cultivation. ISHS-IPS. International Symposium on Growing Media. 4-10 September 2005,
Angers, France.
21.
Tzortzakis N , Τahar T, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2007. Ozone enriched atmospheres against grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) in tomato. 2 nd Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 28-
31 Μarch 2007, Athens, Greece.
22.
Tzortzakis N , Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2007. Use of atmospheric ozone enrichment for fresh produce preservation. 2 nd Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 28-31 Μarch
2007, Athens, Greece.
23.
Tzortzakis Ν , 2008. Storage problems of Crete fresh produce. Innovative techniques and alternative methods of postharvest treatments. 2 nd International Conference of Quality and Marketing of
Agricultural Products. Region of Crete, 25-27 September, Chersonisos, Greece.
24.
Tzanakaki Κ,
Τzortzakis Ν
, 2008. Employment of essential oil and natural products for vegetable preservation. 2
ο
International Conference of Quality and Marketing of Agricultural Products. Region of
Crete, 25-27 September, Chersonisos, Greece.
25.
Κelepesi S,
Tzortzakis Ν , 2008. Use of olive-mill wastes as a growing medium component for lettuce seedling production. 2ο International Conference of Quality and Marketing of Agricultural Products.
Region of Crete, 25-27 September, Chersonisos, Greece.
26.
Sofiadou E, Tzortzakis Ν , 2008. Deployment of olive-mill wastes for tomato seedlings and crop production. 2
ο
International Conference of Quality and Marketing of Agricultural Products. Region of
Crete, 25-27 September, Chersonisos, Greece.
27.
Tzortzakis N , Τahar T, Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2008. Atmospheric ozone enrichment in tomato against Botrytis cinerea . 2
ο
International Conference of Quality and Marketing of Agricultural Products.
Region of Crete, 25-27 September, Chersonisos, Greece.
28.
Tzanakaki Κ, Loulakakis C,
Τzortzakis Ν
, 2009. Employment of natural products and essential oil for vegetable preservation. 3 rd Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 15-17 October,
Rethymno, Greece.
29.
Tzortzakis Ν , Singleton I, Borland A, Barnes J, 2009. Proteomics analysis in tomato fruit against gray mould (Botrytis cinerea). 3 rd Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 15-17
October, Rethymno, Greece.
30.
Tzortzakis Ν , 2009. Essential oils: A promising mean in postharvest sanitation and fresh produce quality.
3 rd Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 15-17 October, Rethymno, Greece.
31.
Klados Ε, Loulakakis C, Tzortzakis Ν , 2009. Biochemical analysis of spiny chicory (stamnagathi). 3 rd
Panhellenic Conference in Biotechnology and Food Quality, 15-17 October, Rethymno, Greece.
32.
Klados Ε, Μanios T, Loulakakis C, Tzortzakis Ν , 2009. Impact of substrate and salinity in hydroponically grown spiny chicory (stamnagathi). 24 th Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of
Horticultural Science (EEEO), 19-23 October 2009, Veria, Greece.
33.
Τzortzakis Ν , Pilatakis G, Psarafti K, Μanios T, 2009. Deployment of primary and secondary treated municipal wastewater irrigation in hydroponically grown cucumber. 24 th Panhellinic Conference of
Greek Association of Horticultural Science (EEEO), 19-23 October 2009, Veria, Greece.
34.
Sofiadou E, Tzortzakis Ν , 2009. Use of olive-mill wastes for tomato seedlings and crop production. 24 th
Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of Horticultural Science (EEEO), 19-23 October 2009,
Veria, Greece.
35.
Tzortzakis N , Metaxakis A, Loulakakis C, 2009. Effect of the mineral nutrition in hydroponical cultured spiny chicory (stamnagathi). 24 th Panhellinic Conference of Greek Association of Horticultural Science
(EEEO), 19-23 October 2009, Veria, Greece.
36.
Christoulaki Μ, Gouma S, Manios T, Τzortzakis Ν , 2010. Deployment of sawdust as substrate medium in hydroponically grown lettuce. 7 th International conference on organic resources in the carbon economy –ORBIT 2010, 29.6.2010-3.7.2010. Heraklion.
4

37.
Τzortzakis Ν , Pilatakis G, Psarafti K, Μanios T, 2010. Deployment of primary and secondary treated municipal wastewater irrigation in hydroponically grown cucumber. 7 th International conference on organic resources in the carbon economy –ORBIT 2010, 29.6.2010-3.7.2010. Heraklion.
38.
Fountoulakis M, Giakoumakis D, Saviolakis A, Dokianakis S, Tzortzakis N , Petoussi I, Manios T, 2010.
Wastewater Reuse in Chersonissos: the Life+ PURE Project. 7th International conference on organic resources in the carbon economy –ORBIT 2010, 29.6.2010-3.7.2010. Heraklion.
39.
Tzortzakis NG , 2009. Spiny chicory (stamnagathi) culture – implicitly traditional product . Newspaper bulletin ‘Kritika Nea’ December 2009, Athens.
40.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Spiny chicory (stamnagathi)- texture and taste of Crete . Newspaper bulletin
‘Kritika Nea’ January 2010, Athens.
41.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Organic Creta product – What is the opinion of visitors in Crete . Newspaper bulletin ‘Kritika Nea’ April 2010, Athens.
42.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Raki pleasure hurt
. Newspaper bulletin ‘Kritika Nea’ November 2010, Athens.
43.
Tzortzakis NG , 2010. Cretan wine perspectives
. Newspaper bulletin ‘Kritika Nea’ December 2010,
Athens.
Research Experience and Techniques
Agrotechniques: Soilless culture, NFT, soil-solutions-plant tissue analysis, diseases management, grafting, postharvest management, gardening-landscape. Plant identification, Behaviour/biodiversity and ecology of plants and pathogens/insects.
Microbiology: Isolation of culture – bacteria, algae and fungus. Method of staining, isolation, purification and quantification of microorganisms (labelled lectins, biomass, series dilutions, haemocytometer).
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: DNA/RNA extraction, semiquantitative RT-PCR, Real-Time PCR,
TOPO Cloning, Tissue culture, Enzymes activity-native gels.
Proteomics: Protein-extraction, determination, isolation, SDS-PAGE, 1-DE, 2-DE, protein digestion, protein analysis (Progenesis), sequence and identification.
Apparatus
HPLC, GC, Infrared Gas Analyser, spectrometer, luminometer, fluorometer, light microscope, portable
CIRAS, ozone generator-chambers,
Estimation of carbohydrates, organic acids, respiration/transpiration, ethylene, antioxidants (ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity (chemiluminescence)), phenols, pigments, fresh produce sensory evaluation, proteins and enzymes. Estimation of stomata conductance.
Qualifications/skills/languages
21-22/10/2003. Attendance to supporting teaching skills and demonstrating. Certification by Newcastle
University.
Since 1997. Computer operation ((ECDL in WORD, EXCEL, ΙΝΤΕRNET) and very good in WINDOWS
XP, POWERPOINT, SPSS, PRISM, SIGMA, PROGENESIS, and Designing programs) - Placing files -
Setting up and observance books.
Languages. Greek, English and basic Italian.
Work experience
2.9.2010 - 30.4.2011. Research program XM EOX: EL0031 ‘’Improving the Reclamation and Reuse of the
Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes in Agriculture and Environmental Applications’’.
16.2.2010 - 15.2.2012. Research program LIFE 08 ENV/GR/551 ‘From treated wastewater to alternative water resources in semi-arid regions’.
2006-2008. Research program IMAGE “Sustainable use of water resources and rural development in drought affected areas”. INTERREG III, ARCHIMED, E.E. 2004,
2007-2008. Research program ΄΄Impact of salinity ion olive plants (Olea europaea L.) in hydroponically grown crops and technique for stress suppressions’ Greek-Egypt collaboration.
2001-2002. ΄΄Evaluation and application of environmental friendly medium in hydroponically grown
5

crops΄΄.
2006-2007
Supporting training ‘’Integrated management of olives’’ and ‘’Biological management of olives’’ to agronomists and farmers (Heraklion, Messara, Ierapetra), and participating in others programs: a). ’Evaluation of optimum time for Harvesting olives’, b). ’Old oliveculture orchards’, c). ‘Impacts of salinity on soilless culture of olives’, Greece-Egypt collaboration, d). MIDA: Mediterranean Initiatives-Development in
Agriculture" (M.I.D.A.) Interreg III B Archimed, Metre 1.2: Assistance for urban centers, rural areas and growth of cooperation between them, 2005, e). ‘Evaluation of current and perspectives of oliviculture in
Chania’
2003-2006
Co-supervision of graduate students’ project with Dr I. Singleton and Dr J. Barnes (main supervisors).
‘’Harnessing ozone for the preservation of spoilage of postharvest produce’’ (Miss Julie Summers)
‘’Impact of atmospheric ozone-enrichment on key pathogens in vitro
’’ (Miss Joelle Wilsons)
10/08/2002- 30/10/2002
Assessor of olive trees yield, damage due to disasters as well as sector for animals subsidizes of National
Constitution of Agriculture (city prefecture).
07/02/2002 – 09/08/2002
Expert estimates of damages to disasters (hail, snow, rain, heat, frost, floods) to olive and citrus trees at the
Hellenic Constitution of Agricultural Insurances.
14/06/2001 – 17/11/2001
Sector-agronomist in Chania (area: Kissamos), against the insect Dacus olea for the olives trees.
04/10/2000 – 14/05/2001
Agronomist in a shopping center (Scordilis O.E.), head of geotechnical department, technical support of member’s farms, supplies of farm inputs (fertilizers, manures, plant nutrition) and propagation material.
During 2000 - 2002
Organized and demonstrated seminars in the agricultural field to local farmers within Crete.
During 2000-2001
External examiner (exam tests for specific school, dealing with tourism and office working time).
Teaching experience
The last 4 years. Teaching a wide range of lab and theory courses (Vegetable Science I, Vegetable
Science, Soilless culture (theory and lab), Plant nutrition and soil Fertility, Plant nutrition and fertilizers (theory and lab)).
More than 17 students for their experimental Thesis (TEI of Crete).
More than 6 students for their seminar (short presentations) (TEI of Crete).
Support 2 PhD candidates (in collaboration with the main supervisors) for the experimental work and lab analysis (TEI of Crete).
2004-2005. Part-time employed tutor at Holiday Greek and Landscape-Gardening course at the
Lyndhurst Centre, Gateshead and Greek Language I & II at the Gosforth Community Centre,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
2003-2005. Demonstrating undergraduate lab and field courses, (Plant, Microbes & Environment;
Behaviour/ Biodiversity & Ecology; Crop Pest-Plant Pathology; Plant Biology II) and invigilating
Bachelor and MSc exams at University of Newcastle.
Membership
International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS)
Hellenic Scientific Society of Horticultural Crops
Geotechnic Chamber of Greece. Serial No=1-12669
Agriculture Association of Chania.
6