GRAPE ENTOMOLOGYModule PRINCIPLES OF GRAPE ENTOMOLOGY
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: POMPEO SUMAExpected Learning Outcomes
To enable students to:
Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide knowledge of the bio-ethological aspects of the main groups of insects and mites harmful to vines, so as to enable students to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge relating to: i) the morphology, anatomy and physiology of species that feed on vines; ii) the impact of harmful species on the sector’s productivity;
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Through the acquisition of knowledge on the morphology and biology of harmful arthropods, as well as their role in the viticultural agrosystem, students will acquire the knowledge necessary to identify the issues associated with them.
Independence of judgement: Through lectures, laboratory practicals, farm visits and seminars, students will develop full independence of judgement in understanding viticultural issues linked to the presence of harmful arthropods
Communication skills: Students will be able to communicate to others, using appropriate technical language, the importance of understanding the bioecology of species that infest vineyards.
Learning skills: The assessment aims to evaluate students’ ability to tackle problems relating to the need to research new techniques and methodological approaches to safeguard wine production.
Course Structure
The course will consist of classroom-based lectures supplemented by laboratory work and educational visits. In-depth seminars will also be organised.
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
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.
Detailed Course Content
The phylum Arthropoda; mites (families Tetranychidae, Eryophidae and Phytoseiidae). The Class Insecta: body morphology and functional systems (e.g. nervous system, digestive system, etc.). Post-embryonic development: moulting and metamorphosis. Relationships between plants and insects (phytophagous and pollinators) and with arthropods (e.g. predators and parasitoids).
Textbook Information
Lecture slides and other materials, available to students on the STUDIUM platform
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The phylum Arthropoda | text 1, 4 |
| 2 | Morphology of mites associated with vines | text 1, 4 |
| 3 | Insect's morphology and anatomy | text 1, 2 and 4 |
| 4 | Post-embryonic development: moulting and metamorphosis. | text 1, 2 and 4 |
| 5 | insect—hostplant and insect- other arthopods relationships | text 2 and 4 |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Learning outcomes are assessed through a final oral examination. Students’ performance will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria: their ability to learn and the depth of their understanding of the topics covered, their ability to summarise and present information, and their reasoning skills, and according to the following scheme:
Non idoneo | 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 e lode | 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).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Classification of the phylum Arthropoda
The body morphology of mites
The body morphology of insects
Species that infest grape bunches
Species capable of transmitting plant pathogens