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Plant Pathology
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course of Plant pathology describes the main biotic and abiotic diseases of the Mediterranean agricultural plants and the physiological and biochemical plant-pathogen relationships. Provides the ability to formulate plant diseases diagnosis and the knowledge of the control methods for the development of integrated diseases management programs according UN 2030 program for sustainable development and European green deal.
Course Prerequisites
knowledge of botany and plant physiology.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons with practical simulations and interdisciplinary studies.
Assessment Methods
The assessment of the student’s acquired knowledge consists of an oral exam, aimed at assessing the student’s understanding of the subject matter, their ability to connect and summarize it in a concise, complete, organized, and structured manner, using technical and formally correct vocabulary. The oral exam will be graded on the following scale.
30-30 with honors. Complete, detailed, and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, with correct terminology. Excellent understanding, distinguishing key points and developing interdisciplinary connections. Consolidated ability to apply knowledge and analyze results. Clear, structured, logical, and concise presentation.
28-29: In-depth knowledge, correct terminology, and explanation of the main concepts. Solid understanding, framing of key points, and discussion with individual insights. Excellent ability to apply knowledge and analyze results. Clear, articulate, logical, and mature presentation, albeit with some inaccuracies.
25-27: Extensive knowledge, although without fully explaining the relevant content. Use of terminology, not always accurate, identifying key concepts. Adequate understanding, distinguishing key points without fully framing them. Good ability to apply knowledge. Clear presentation, but not always complete, with schematic organization and sometimes fragmented thoughts.
22-24: Acceptable knowledge, albeit with gaps and some confusion in certain concepts. Essential understanding, not always framing the topics or inaccurate. Fair ability to apply fundamental concepts. Correct presentation, but without a clear and coherent structure, including irrelevant material.
18-21: Limited knowledge, with numerous gaps and an inability to illustrate key concepts completely and accurately. Basic understanding, with difficulty distinguishing and framing key points correctly. Uncertainty in applying the fundamental concepts of the subject.
Fail: Poor, fragmented, and incomplete knowledge, lacking essential content. Serious errors in comprehension, failure to answer numerous questions, and failure to identify key concepts. Errors in applying fundamental concepts, failure to achieve an acceptable level of articulation of thought.
Texts
G. Belli. Elementi di Patologia vegetale. Piccin ed.
Monographs and teaching materials posted on the teacher's website
Contents
COURSE SYLLABUS
Introduction to Plant pathology
Disease in plants
Symptomatology
Plant diseases causal agents
Biotic and abiotic diseases: fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma
Effects of pathogens on plant physiological function
Diagnosis of plant diseases
Development disease stages
Plant diseases Epidemiology
Defense mechanisms in plants
Pre and post-infectional mechanisms
The gene-for-gene concept
SAR
Integrated control of plant diseases (IPM)
Plant protection products: legislation, mechanisms of action (FRAC). Resistance to fungicides and anti-resistance strategies. Fungicides active substances and basic and low-risk products. Resistance inducers, microbial antagonists, and plant-based active substances. Toxicological risk management: active substance residues, multi-residues, and phytosanitary containment strategies.
Main diseases of Mediterranean crops (grasses, vines, olives, citrus, soil borne pathogens etc.)
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
The learning outcomes of the course are developed in accordance with the Dublin descriptors and are divided into the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding:
- The etiological agents of biotic (fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasmas) and abiotic plant diseases and the interactions in the plant-pathogen-environment system.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
- Symptom-based diagnosis of plant diseases and their application in differential diagnosis. Knowledge of other diagnostic methods.
- Development of integrated pest management strategies, with particular attention to limiting the impact of plant protection products on health and the environment.
Making judgements:
- Ability to develop a differential diagnosis process in the field and to develop sustainable defense strategies based on their impact.
Communication skills:
- Knowledge and use of appropriate technical terminology in describing disease symptoms and defining defense strategies.
Learning skills:
- Continuous technical and scientific updating and knowledge of national and international databases on plant protection products.
More information
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