PLANT DISEASE DIAGNOSIS

The course aims to provide knowledge on traditional and innovative methods for the diagnosis and characterization of the main plant disease agents. The student will learn the different techniques of phytopathological diagnosis (isolation, biological assay, serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis and characterization and identification of plant pathogens) as well as their use in diagnostic protocols provided in relevant disciplinary and legislation on quarantine and quality pathogens. The student will have to acquire skills in the choice of the most suitable method of diagnosis for the rapid and accurate interception of pathogens in order to better target methods of prevention and control.

The teaching will be carried out through lectures (28 hours) for the acquisition of technical knowledge together with laboratory exercises, discussions of case studies as well as educational visits to companies in the food industry to develop the ability to apply technical knowledge in practice (28 hours).

If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported syllabus. Learning assessment may be done remotely if necessary.

As guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

Aims and criteria for the choice of diagnostic methods

Diagnosis on symptomatological basis vs. pathogens

Sampling techniques

Biological assay techniques

Isolation techniques

Serological diagnosis techniques and protocols

Molecular diagnostic techniques and protocols

Molecular characterization techniques of plant pathogens

Innovative diagnostic techniques

Development of diagnostic protocols

Criteria for choosing the method of diagnosis

Validated protocols, routine diagnsoi protocols, massal diagnosis protocols

National and European regulations on phytopathological diagnosis techniques and laboratories

Diagnostic laboratory standards and accreditation

Safety standards in diagnostic laboratories

The teacher will provide all necessary, also by STUDIUM platform, to study covered topics.

- Legislative tools, validated protocols, in-depth readings and IT tools edited by
of the teacher.

- IPPC-FAO and EPPO standards related to surveillance, diagnosis techniques, sampling techniques

- IPPC-FAO standard on the management of a phytopathological diagnosis laboratory

- Specific diagnosis protocols