FOOD PATHOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY

Module POST-HARVEST PATHOLOGY OF PLANT PRODUCTS

Expected learning outcomes

1) Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge on the main biotic and abiotic alterations of plant products in post-harvest, on their identification and diagnosis and on the control and prevention of contamination by phytopathogens and mycotoxins affecting the quality and quantity of plants in post-harvest and storage.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding: Through the acquisition of knowledge on the main biotic and abiotic alterations, on the most up-to-date methodologies of diagnosis and biological and integrated control, the student will acquire the ability to plan the most appropriate strategies to be used in post-harvest

3) Making judgements: Through the attendance of lectures, exercises and seminars, students will acquire full autonomy in choosing the most effective and up-to-date post-harvest disease prevention and control strategies

4) Communication skills: The reading of scientific articles, the participation in seminars, the in-depth study of specific topics through group activities and the presentation of the results obtained will allow students to develop a correct technical-scientific terminology in the field of post-harvest plant pathology and an adequate ability to expose the topics learned.

5) Learning skills: The course will contribute to the development of the ability to understand and critically analyze the topics both through group work and independently, to the analysis of scientific results and to the preparation of the thesis, thus preparing the student for his future activity in the field of technical consultancy in the agri-food sector

The course is carried out through lectures and exercises in the classroom, in the laboratory and technical visits in the field. Discussions on case studies are also planned. 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.

Knowledge of microbiology  is essential. 

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

1. Introduction: concept of disease; symptoms and classification of diseases; generalities on plant pathogens; cycle of disease.

2. Host-pathogen interaction in fungal and bacterial diseases: mechanisms of attack of

pathogens, host resistance mechanisms

3. Diagnosis of diseases: the diagnostic procedure, traditional and molecular diagnostic methods

4. Principles of control of plant diseases in post-harvest: physical, chemical,

biological means, integrated pest management

5. Fungal diseases: main post-harvest rots

6. Bacterial diseases: main post-harvest rots

7. Main abiotic diseases in post-harvest

8. Mycotoxins: toxigenic fungi and their epidemiology, main mycotoxins, prevention and control of mycotoxigenic fungi, case studies

Testo 1: De Cicco V., Bertolini P., Salerno M.G. Patologia post-raccolta dei prodotti vegetali.Piccin Editore, 274 pp.

Testo 2: Vannacci et al., 2021. Patologia vegetale. EdiSES Edizioni S.r.l., Napoli

The evaluation takes place through an oral interview. Other elements of evaluation will be the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the contents, the ability to connect with other topics covered by the program, the ability to provide examples, the ownership of technical language and the overall expressive ability.

The marks assigned will follow the following scheme:

Usuitable

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.

Analysis and synthesis skills: Correct analysis and synthesis, with logical and coherent argumentation skills.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Good, with arguments expressed consistently.

Use of references: Use of standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: In-depth

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent.

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Remarkable.

Use of references: Important insights.

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) The main characteristics of plant pathogens and diseases of abiotic etiology

2) Diagnostic methods that can be used for the recognition of the etiology of a plant disease in post-harvest

3) Methods of chemical and biological control of phytopathogens that can be used in post-harvest

4) The main post-harvest plant diseases (by supply chain, e.g. wine, citrus fruit, etc.)

5) Mycotoxigenic fungi and their epidemiology; main mycotoxins; prevention and control of mycotoxigenic fungi