GRAPEVINE PATHOLOGY

The course will enable students to acquire basic knowledge of the main grapevine diseases caused by biotic and abiotic factors, as well as of integrated disease management strategies for their control. At the end of the course, students will be able to recognize the symptoms and causes of a disease and select the most appropriate control strategies to be applied within the context of sustainable agriculture. The course will also promote continuous professional development in this field. Practical sessions and seminars will focus on case studies, laboratory experiments, and technical visits.

Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs) According to the Dublin Descriptors

a. Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of grapevine diseases and of the products used for their control.

b. Applying knowledge and understanding: be able to apply knowledge and understanding in a manner that demonstrates a professional approach to their work; possess adequate skills to provide information on the control methods that can be used in the field.

c. Making judgements: be able to interpret all the data and information acquired and independently develop assessments concerning diagnosis and disease-control strategies.

d. Communication skills: be able to communicate and describe the characteristics of the disease under consideration and the possible methods that can be adopted for its control, using appropriate technical terminology.

e. Learning skills: develop the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies; be able to establish connections not only among the topics covered during lectures and practical sessions, but also between the topics addressed in this course and those covered in other disciplines.

The course consists of 84 hours (9 CFU), divided into 42 hours of lectures and 42 hours of practical sessions in the classroom and laboratory, as well as technical visits. Through discussions and group work on the topics covered, students will be able to plan biological control strategies against plant pathogens. If the course is delivered in blended or distance-learning mode, the necessary changes may be made to the arrangements described above in order to comply with the programme established in the Syllabus. 

Basic knowledge of botany, biology and microbiology.

Attendance is not compulsory; however, it is strongly recommended, as it facilitates the student's learning process and academic assessment. The worker- students will be provided with specific forms of supplementary academic support and will also be allowed to take examinations during extraordinary examination sessions reserved for these categories of students.

1. Concept of plant disease
2. Classification of plant diseases and symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. Plant–pathogen interactions
5. Epidemiology
6. Main plant pathogens: fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and viroids
7. Disease control
8. Main grapevine diseases:

Diseases caused by oomycetes

Grapevine downy mildew

Diseases caused by fungi

Grapevine powdery mildew

Grey mould

Black rot of grapevine

Grapevine trunk diseases

Anthracnose

Fibrous root rot

Diseases caused by phytoplasmas

Grapevine yellows 

Viral diseases

Abiotic diseases

The course contributes to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals through practical activities focused on diagnosis of plant diseases and sustainable disease control.

1. G. Vannacci, P.A. Bianco, G. Bonanomi, A. Brunelli, P. Gonthier, M. Lorito, G. Polizzi, V. Rossi, S. Sarrocco, M. Scortichini (2021). Patologia vegetale. EdiSES Edizioni S.r.l., Naples, 478 pp.
2. Matta A. et al. (2017). Fondamenti di patologia vegetale (2nd edition), 490 pp. Patron Editore.
3. Scientific materials provided by the lecturer during the course.

Learning will be assessed through an oral examination. The student's preparation will be evaluated according to the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, quality of the content, ability to establish connections with other topics, clarity of presentation, ability to provide practical examples, and reasoning skills.

The final grade will be assigned according to the following criteria:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding: serious gaps in knowledge; significant inaccuracies.
Analysis and synthesis skills: inadequate; frequent generalisations; inability to synthesise information.
Use of references: completely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding: barely sufficient level; evident shortcomings.
Analysis and synthesis skills: barely sufficient.
Use of references: adequate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding: mainly factual knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: able to perform correct analysis and synthesis; arguments are presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Use of references: uses standard references.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding: good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis skills; topics are presented coherently.
Use of references: uses standard references.

27–29

Knowledge and understanding: very good knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: very good analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: topics have been appropriately explored in depth.

30–30 with honours

Knowledge and understanding: excellent knowledge.
Analysis and synthesis skills: excellent analytical and synthesis skills.
Use of references: significant 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).

1. Main causal agents of plant diseases
2. Classification of diseases and symptoms
3. Diagnosis
4. The infection cycle
5. Main disease control strategies
6. In-depth discussion of a specific disease