DIAGNOSIS IN PLANT PATHOLOGY

The course aims to provide knowledge of both traditional and innovative methods for the diagnosis and characterization of the main plant disease agents. Students will learn various phytopathological diagnostic techniques (isolation, biological assays, serological and molecular methods for the disease diagnosis and characterization of plant pathogens), as well as their application in diagnostic protocols established by current legislation. Students are expected to develop the ability to choose the most appropriate diagnostic method for the accurate and rapid identification of pathogens, in order to determine the most sustainable control strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Knowledge and understanding abilities: Specific knowledge and understanding abilities on diagnosis in Plant Pathology.

Applying knowledge and understanding abilities: Ability to identify research and techniques useful in diagnosis of the main pathogens.

Making judgements: The set of knowledge and skills acquired through lectures and integrative activities will help to provide the tools to make the appropriate technical choices on the basis of specific requests. During the course of the laboratory activity, the ability to critically analyses the results of the trials will also be verified.

Communication skills: The student will be encouraged to study, individually or in groups, some topics to deepen their knowledge independently and to communicate on the topics covered during the course or laboratory activity.

Learning skills: Ability to learn the scientific concepts about diagnostic methods and ability to stimulate autonomy also in relation to subsequent cycles of study.

The course will be delivered through lectures (21 hours) aimed at acquiring technical knowledge, along with laboratory exercises, case study discussions, and educational visits to agricultural companies and farm to develop the ability to apply technical knowledge in practice (42 hours). If the course is being taught in a mixed or distance mode, the necessary changes may be made in relation to what was stated previously, in order to comply with the program provided for in the Syllabus. In order to ensure equal opportunities and in accordance with current legislation, students who are interested may request a personal meeting to plan any compensatory and/or exemptive measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion – Services for Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) representative for our Department, Prof. Anna De Angelis.

Basic knowledge of biology, microbiology, plant pathology (essential)

Not mandatory but strongly recommended due to the practical nature of the subject and the high number of laboratory and field exercises

1        Objectives and criteria for selecting diagnostic methods

2        Symptom-based diagnosis of plant diseases

3        Sampling and isolation techniques

4        Biological assay techniques

5        Serological diagnostic techniques and protocols

6        Molecular diagnostic techniques and protocols

7        Phylogenetic analysis

8        Innovative diagnostic techniques

9        National and European regulations on diagnostic techniques and phytopathological diagnostic laboratories

10     Application of case studies

The course contributes to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals through practical exercises focused on early diagnosis for the sustainable management of plant diseases.

The teacher will provide the necessary materials for the study of the topics covered

Learning assessment will be carried out through an oral examination. The evaluation of the student’s preparation will be based on their ability to explore the topics in depth, their synthesis and presentation skills, as well as their ability and capacity to make connections with other subjects.

The voting follows the following scheme:

Not suitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies. Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize. Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections. Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills. Use of references: As appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently. Using references: Use standard references.

24-26

Subject knowledge and understanding: Good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently. Using references: Use standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Has explored the topics.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: Important insights.

Sampling and isolation methods for fungal pathogens

Sampling and isolation methods for bacterial pathogens

Protocols and execution of a molecular characterization test for viruses

Quality standards in a phytopathological diagnostic laboratory

Innovative diagnostic techniques