LOTTA BIOLOGICA AGLI AGENTI FITOPATOGENI

Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: DALIA AIELLO

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to ensure the acquisition of extensive knowledge on the biological control of the main phytopathogenic agents. The student will have to acquire skills in identifying the most effective biological control methods and means to be used in the nursery and in the field against main diseases and professional updating in this field.

Exercises and seminars will focus on the study of antagonist microorganisms and biological products and the development of strategies to control diseases caused by phytopathogenic agents.

Expected learning outcomes (RAA) according to the Dublin descriptors:

a. Knowledge and understanding: provide basic skills and knowledge on antagonist microorganisms and biological products to be used in the biological and integrated control of phytopathogenic agents.

b. Knowledge and understanding applied: through the use of all the above knowledge acquire the ability to provide information related to the means and measures usable in nursery and field

c. Autonomy of judgment: to be able to interpret all the data and information acquired and to be able to elaborate evaluations in full autonomy on biological control strategies.

d. Communication skills: communicate and describe the aspects of the disease addressed and the possible biological means that can be adopted to control it, adopting a correct technical terminology.

e. Ability to learn: understand the topics both in group and independently, be able to connect not only the topics covered during the lessons and exercises, but also to find connections among the issues covered in this discipline and those in other disciplines.

Course Structure

The course is carried out through lessons (28 hours) and exercises in the classroom, in the laboratory and technical field visits (28 hours). The student, also through discussions and group work on topics covered will be able to program biological control strategies against phytopathogenic agents. If the course is being taught in a mixed or distance mode, the necessary changes may be made in relation to what was stated previously, in order to comply with the programme provided for in the syllabus. To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensative measures, according to the teaching objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the referent teacher CInAP (Centro per l’inclusione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) of our Department, Prof.ssa Giovanna Tropea Garcia and Anna De Angelis. 

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of plant pathology and microbiology is important

Attendance of Lessons

The attendance of the course is not compulsory but highly recommended as the subject is constantly evolving and a constant professional update is required. 

 

Detailed Course Content

1. Biological and integrated control strategies

2. Selection methods, mechanisms of action and use of antagonistic microorganisms against fungal and bacterial diseases

3. Systemic resistance

4. Soil suppression

5. Role of phytobiomes in control of plant diseases

6. Biotechnology applied to diseases control

7. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, fungi and yeasts antagonists

8. Biostimulants, enhancers and resistance inductors

9. Commercially available biological products based on fungi, bacteria, antagonist yeasts and substances of natural origin

10. Practical examples of biological control of plant diseases in pre- and post-harvest

Textbook Information

1. Vannacci et al., 2021. Patologia vegetale. EdiSES Edizioni S.r.l., Napoli

2. Reverberi et al., 2022. Patologia vegetale molecolare. Piccin –nuova libraria

3. La lotta biologica nella difesa sostenibile delle piante (Lombardi et al., 2016). In: Difesa sostenibile delle colture (Battilani P.), Edagricole

OTHER TEACHING MATERIALS

Slides and scientific articles distributed by the teacher during the course

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Biological and integrated control strategies1-2-3
2Selection methods, mechanisms of action and use of antagonistic microorganisms against fungal and bacterial diseases1-2
3Systemic resistance Soil suppressionRole of phytobiomes in control of plant diseasesBiotechnology applied to diseases control2
4Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, fungi and yeasts antagonists1-3
5Biostimulants, enhancers and resistance inductors Commercially available biological products based on fungi, bacteria, antagonist yeasts and substances of natural origin1-3

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Learning evaluation will be assessed by oral examinations. No checks in progress are foreseen. The evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, quality of the contents, ability to connect with other topics covered within the program, properties of synthesis and exposure, ability to report practical examples and student's reasoning skills. Verification of learning can also be carried out by online way if it will be necessary.

 The score assignment follows the adopted scheme:

Not suitable for passing examination

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Heavy 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: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Using references: Use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The topics are expressed consistently

Using references: Use standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: Has well explored the topics

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights. 

 

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1. Main biological control agents

2. The mechanisms of action of antagonist microorganisms 

3. Methods of selection and development of antagonist microorganisms and methods of application 

4. Innovative means for the biological management of major pathogens

5. Main professional training websites

6. Practical examples of biological control against pathogens in pre- and post-harvest