BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PLANT PATHOGENS

Expected learning outcomes

1) Knowledge and understanding: The course intends to provide knowledge regarding the biological control of agricultural production in pre- and post-harvest essential for the definition of appropriate biological control programs. Particular attention is paid to the selection methods of the microbial antagonists, their modes of action, and their application potential on the main Mediterranean fruit and vegetable crops for the containment of the most significant rhizospheric, phyllospheric and post-harvest pathogens.

2) Applied knowledge and understanding: through the acquisition of knowledge on the main and most up-to-date biological control methodologies, the student will acquire the ability to plan adequate biological defense strategies to be used in the nursery, in the field and post-harvest for the containment of plant diseases of the main fruit and vegetable crops

3) Making judgment: through attendance of lectures, exercises and seminars, students will acquire full autonomy in choosing the most effective and up-to-date biological control strategies for diseases

4) Communication skills: reading scientific articles, participation in seminars, in-depth study of specific themes through group activities and the presentation of the results obtained will allow students to develop correct technical-scientific terminology in the field of biological crop protection , and an adequate ability to explain the topics learned.

5) Learning skills: the course will contribute to the development of the ability to understand and critically analyse 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 its future activity in the field of technical consultancy in the plant protection 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 conditions require it, the lessons will be held online, and the exercises and field visits will be replaced by exercises and technical visits online.

Knowledge of plant pathology 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. Strategies of integrated and biological control.

2. Mechanisms of action: competition for space and nutrients; hyperparasitism; lytic enzymes; molecules with antibiotic activity

3. Antagonistic fungi, bacteria and yeast for the containment of fungal and bacterial diseases

4. Methods of isolation and selection of antagonistic microorganisms

5. Acquired and induced systemic resistance

6. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria                                                                                    

7. Suppressive soils

8.  Commercial bioformulates based on fungi, bacteria, antagonist yeasts,

9. Biostimulants, resistance inducers

10. Examples of biological control against in pre- and post-harvest diseases

Battilani P. (a cura di), 2016. Difesa sostenibile delle colture. Edagricole

Matta A. et al., 2017. Fondamenti di patologia vegetale. Patron Editore Bologna

Reverberi et al., 2022. Patologia vegetale molecolare. Piccin –Nuova Libraria S.p.A. Padov

Sellitto V.M. (a cura di), 2020. I microrganismi utili in agricoltura. Edagricole

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

Verification of learning 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.

Voting follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies
• Analysis and synthesis skills: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize
• Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At threshold level. Obvious imperfections
• Analysis and synthesis skills: Just sufficient skills
• Use of references: As appropriate

21-23

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge.
• Analysis and synthesis skills: He is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and coherently
• 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 arguments are expressed coherently
• Using references: Use standard references

27-29

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic: More than good knowledge
• Analysis and synthesis skills: Has considerable analysis and synthesis skills
• Use of references: He explored the topics in depth

30-30L

• Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge
• Analysis and synthesis skills: Has considerable analysis and synthesis skills.
• Using 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. Characteristics of antagonistic bacteria, fungi and yeasts and their mechanisms of action

2. Methods of selection and development of antagonistic microorganisms

3. Bioformulates based on microorganisms and substances of natural origin

4. Biological defense models against diseases in citrus groves, vineyards, greenhouse vegetables, post-harvest.