ENTOMOLOGIA DELLE PIANTE DA FRUTTO

1) Knowledge and understanding: Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired specific knowledge regarding the identification of the main pest species and an understanding of their biological cycles, behavior, and the alterations (direct and indirect damage, transmission of pathogens, etc.) they induce in fruit trees, with specific reference to the most harmful species in Mediterranean fruit agroecosystems. The student will be able to understand the scientific principles for developing innovative monitoring techniques and establishing defense strategies to control infestations characterized by greater sustainability.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding: Through the acquisition of advanced knowledge on the main entomological issues in Mediterranean fruit agroecosystems, the student will be able to recognize the damage caused by pests to fruit trees and develop appropriate monitoring protocols, as well as structure modern management programs. This includes evaluating and selecting the most appropriate management strategies among those available, balancing the necessary agronomic efficacy with environmental protection and economic feasibility, while considering the risks associated with the potential use of synthetic insecticides.

3) Making judgments: With the help of lectures, laboratory exercises, technical visits, and seminars, students will gain autonomy in gathering and critically interpreting information and data related to complex entomological phytosanitary issues in various fruit agroecosystems, promptly recognizing emerging criticalities in order to define optimal intervention strategies.

4) Communication skills: Students will be able to communicate clearly and logically, developing the correct technical-scientific terminology specific to applied entomology, as well as the ability to work and communicate in a team, including through the simulation of workplace interactions.

5) Learning skills: The course will contribute to the development of skills to independently explore the main entomological issues typical of Mediterranean fruit agroecosystems. Students will acquire a logical-deductive investigation method and the flexibility to adapt to the evolution of tools available for sustainable pest management, quickly understanding the use of emerging technologies, including through the consultation of scientific literature and institutional databases in the sector.

The course will be conducted through 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of laboratory and/or classroom exercises, possible seminars, and, where possible, technical field visits. If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Basic knowledge of the general characteristics of arthropods is useful.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

• Introduction to the course: Plant-insect relationships and fruit agroecosystem, concept of phytophagy, and damage in fruit trees.
• General characteristics, bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main citrus pests (mites, Pezothrips kellyanus, Aleyrodidae, Aphis spp., Toxoptera aurantii, Planococcus citri, Aonidiella aurantii, Phyllocnistis citrella, Ceratitis capitata), and an overview of secondary pests and alien species at risk of introduction.
• General characteristics, bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main olive pests (Saissetia oleae, Prays oleae, Zeuzera pyrina, Bactrocera (=Dacus) oleae), and an overview of secondary pests and alien species at risk of introduction.
• General characteristics, bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main grapevine pests (mites, Frankliniella occidentalis, Planococcus ficus, Lobesia botrana, Empoasca spp., Scaphoideus titanus), and an overview of secondary pests and alien species at risk of introduction.
• General characteristics, bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main pome fruit pests (mites, Cacopsylla pyri, Dysaphis spp., Eriosoma lanigerum, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Yponomeuta malinellus, Cydia spp., leafrollers, leafminers and woodborers, Hoplocampa brevis), and an overview of secondary pests and alien species at risk of introduction.
• General characteristics, bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main stone fruit pests (mites, Myzus spp., Brachycaudus persicae, Hyalopterus spp., thrips, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Pseudalacaspis pentagona, Anarsia lineatella, Cydia molesta, Capnodis tenebrionis, Ceratitis capitata, Rhagoletis cerasi, Drosophila suzukii), and an overview of secondary pests and alien species at risk of introduction.
• Overview of the arthropod fauna of nuts and minor fruit trees.

1. PENNACCHIO F. 2014 Gli insetti e il loro controllo. Liguori Editore (ISBN: 9788820753511).

2. COLAZZA S., PERI E., LO BUE P. 2018. Lineamenti di Entomologia in Agricoltura Biologica.  Palermo University Press (ISBN: 9788831919104, 9788831919135).

3. VIGGIANI G., 1997. Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria, Volume II: Lotta integrata ai fitofagi. Liguori, Napoli (ed.) (ISBN: 9788820725419).

4. BACCETTI B., BARBAGALLO S., SÜSS L., TREMBLAY E., 2000. Manuale di Zoologia Agraria. Delfino Editore, Roma (ISBN: 9788872872222).

5. TREMBLAY E., 1985-2000. Entomologia applicata, voll. 1-7. Liguori Editore, Napoli (ISBN: 8820706814 e successivi).

Other teaching material made available to students, such as copies of the PowerPoints presented during lectures, scientific articles, and/or other articles/documents to consult.

The effective achievement of the expected learning outcomes by the student will be assessed through a final oral exam aimed at evaluating the level of preparation achieved, properties of language, and presentation skills regarding the topics covered.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

• Fail/Unsatisfactory

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

- Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations

- Use of references: completely inappropriate

• 18-20

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections

- Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate

- Use of references: just appropriate

• 21-23

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level

- Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair bility to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner

- Using references: use standard references

• 24-26

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge

- Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented consistently

- Using references: use of standard references

• 27-29

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good

- Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

- Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

• 30-30 cum laude

- Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge

- Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis

- Use of references: important insights

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

·       Explain the bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of the main pests of a fruit agroecosystem discussed during the course.

·       Illustrate the main entomological emergencies of citrus orchards, explaining their bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring approaches, and management strategies.

·       Analyze the bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and management strategies of key pests of the olive tree.

·       Address the main pests of pome fruits (or stone fruits), detailing their bio-ethological aspects, the damage caused, monitoring techniques, and control methods.

·       Outline the bio-ethological framework and the types of damage (direct and indirect) associated with the main aphids of fruit trees, exposing the related management strategies.

·       Explain the characteristics of lepidopteran pests of fruit trees, illustrating their bio-ethological aspects, damage, and management strategies.

·       Discuss the bio-ethological aspects, damage, monitoring, and control approaches related to mite infestations in a fruit agroecosystem discussed during the course.

·       Explain the characteristics of the main dipteran pests of fruit trees, explaining their bio-ethological aspects, damage, and discussing modern monitoring and management strategies.

·       Discuss the epidemiological role of insect vectors of pathogens in a fruit agroecosystem discussed during the course, illustrating their bio-ethological aspects, monitoring, and control methods.

·       Illustrate the impact of invasive alien species in fruit orchards (such as Halyomorpha halys, Drosophila suzukii, etc.), explaining their bio-ethology and discussing the critical issues related to their monitoring and management.

·       Discuss the threat posed by alien species at risk of introduction in Mediterranean fruit orchards, including an example among the species discussed during the course.