MALATTIE DELLE PIANTE DA FRUTTO

The module will provide students with basic knowledge of the main diseases affecting fruit and nut crops in the Mediterranean region. At the end of the course, students will be able to recognize symptoms, identify the causal agents, and describe the main disease infection cycles.

Knowledge and understanding – (Dublin 1)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main contents of the course.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Applying knowledge and understanding – (Dublin 2)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the main diseases and to formulate diagnostic hypotheses. They should also be able to evaluate and interpret experimental and literature data.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Making judgements – (Dublin 3)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to formulate reasoned interpretative judgements based on the knowledge acquired, with reference to research activities and findings reported in scientific publications.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Communication skills – (Dublin 4)

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to select and appropriately use technical terminology, adapting their oral and written communication to the required level and to specific purposes.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

Lifelong learning skills – (Dublin 5)

At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to keep their knowledge and skills up to date, identifying the fundamental and relevant aspects of the course in relation to their professional context, within a legally, ethically, and scientifically sound framework.

ASSESSMENT METHOD: Oral examination.

The course consists of 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical activities, including classroom and laboratory activities and, where possible, field activities.

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.

A basic knowledge of plant pathology, mycology, and plant virology is strongly recommended.

Olive diseases:

Peacock spot
Olive knot
Anthracnose
Verticillium wilt
Olive quick decline syndrome

Mango and avocado diseases:

Apical necrosis
Fruit rot
Powdery mildew

Citrus diseases:

Alternaria brown spot
Anthracnose
Mal secco disease
Viroids (cachexia, exocortis)
Citrus tristeza

Pistachio diseases:

Septoria leaf spot

Peach diseases:

Brown rot
Peach leaf curl

Loquat diseases:

Scab

Grapevine diseases:

Downy mildew
Powdery mildew
Gray mold
Esca disease

Diseases affecting multiple crops:

Root and crown rots caused by Oomycetes
Branch cankers and dieback
White and brown rots

Scientific or expository papers and pdf slides provided by the teacher and uploaded in studium.unict electronic platform.

The final assessment will consist of an oral examination.
The grading scale is based on the following criteria:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Significant gaps in knowledge and major inaccuracies.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Inadequate. Frequent generalizations and inability to synthesize information.
Use of references: Completely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Basic knowledge at the minimum threshold level, with evident shortcomings.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Barely sufficient.
Use of references: Barely appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Adequate and routine knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Able to perform correct analysis and synthesis. Arguments are presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: Makes use of standard references.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Good analytical and synthesis skills. Topics are presented coherently.
Use of references: Makes use of standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Very good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Demonstrates strong analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topics.

30–30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Excellent knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: Demonstrates excellent analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: Demonstrates substantial and in-depth study of the topics.

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).

Main fungal diseases of olive trees
Infection cycle of causal agents of canker diseases of woody plants
Virus-induced symptoms in citrus