Biology and epidemiology of the main fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens of
field crops and fruit crops, as well as disease cycle and main characteristic symptoms.
Understanding the
physiopathology of several main biotic diseases chosen as a model, also for those derived applications for
sustainable disease control.
1) Plant Pathology 5th Edition (2005) di G. Agrios, Ed. Academic Press
2) Fondamenti di Patologia vegetale. (2017) di Matta et al., Patron ed.
3) Scientific articles and support material given as pdf by the teachers
Learning Objectives
Knowledge:
Biology and epidemiology of the main fungal, bacterial, viral pathogens of
field crops and fruit crops, as well as disease cycle and main characteristic symptoms.
Specific Skills:
To understanding and critically analyse the etiology, epidemiology and physiopathology of the main plant diseases, in order to develop and/or apply the most succesful management preventive strategies for control, included an early diagnosis.
General skills:
- Communication and learning skills, included a correct general and specific language
Prerequisites
Knowledge in general plant pathology , microbiology, botany, fruit and
field crops.
Teaching Methods
Lessons in the class-room (4 cfu).
Field visits, visits to specialized laboratories, work in the lab (2 cfu).
This programme could be varied according to the future laws and decrees for covid19 containement.
Further information
Attendance is not compulsory but it is highly recommended
Type of Assessment
Oral exam
For the assessment, the following evaluation criteria will be adopted:
knowledge on the main topics of the course, ability to critically examine a phytopathological problem and communication skills
Course program
DISEASES CAUSED BY BACTERIA AND PHYTOPLASMS (2 CFU)
1) General introduction on phytopathogenic bacteria and phytoplasma
2) case studies of diseases caused by Gram positive and Gram negative
phytopathogenic bacteria included quarantine pathogens in EU: virulence factors, infective process development and symptomatology,
hints on diagnosis and control.
- Lab work: 1. Innovative molecular diagnosis tools for bacteria and
phytopalsma.
FUNGAL AND VIRUS DISEASES (4 CFU)
Symptoms, biology and cycle of the agents and the control protocols
against the main fungal pathogens of the main crops: cereals,
vegetables, pome fruits, stone fruits, olive, grape, caused by - Diseases of
cereals and seeds
-Diseases of cereals
- Diseases of fruit crops
-Diseases of vegetables
-Diseases caused by oomycetes
-Diseases of ornamentals and nurseries
-Diseases of green cover species
-Post-harvest diseases
- Mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins contamination of stored products
Integrated management of disease control in agriculture (case studies)
Grapevine
Fruit crops
Vegetables
Cereals
Sustainable Development Goals 2030
3) Ensure a healthy life and promote the well-being of all at all ages.
8) Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full employment and decent work for all
12) Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13) Take urgent measures to combat climate change and its consequences
15) Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests in a sustainable way, combat desertification, stop and reverse soil degradation and stop the loss of biodiversity