DIAGNOSTICA FITOPATOLOGICA

Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher: MATILDE TESSITORI

Expected Learning Outcomes

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.

Course Structure

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.

Detailed Course Content

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

Case studies


 

Textbook Information

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

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Obiettivi e criteri di scelta dei metodi diagnosticiMateriale del docente
2Diagnosi su base sintomatologica versus agenti patogeniMateriale del docente
3Tecniche di campionamentoMateriale del docente e protocolli validati EPPO
4Tecniche di saggio biologicoMateriale del docente e protocolli
5Tecniche di isolamentoMateriale del docente e protocolli
6Tecniche e protocolli di diagnosi sierologicaMateriale del docente e protocolli EPPO
7Tecniche e protocolli di diagnosi molecolareMateriale del docente, protocolli, protocolli validati EPPO
8Tecniche di caratterizzazione molecolare dei patogeni vegetaliMateriale del docente e protocolli
9Strumenti di bioinformatica per la caratterizzazione dei patogeni Materiale fornito dal docente e sitografia
10Tecniche di diagnosi innovativeMateriale del docente
11Criteri di scelta del metodo di diagnosiMateriale del docente
12Normativa nazionale ed europea su tecniche di diagnosi e laboratori di diagnosi fitopatologica Materiale del docente e fonti legislative
13Standard dei laboratori diagnostici e accreditamento Normativa Nazionale ed Internazionale. standard FAO

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The evaluation of learning takes place by means of an oral interview. The assessment of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: the student's ability to learn and the level of in-depth study of the topics covered, the student's ability to synthesise and expound, and the student's reasoning ability.

The grading follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of topic: Significant deficiencies. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Irrelevant. Frequent generalisations. Inability to summarise

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Subject knowledge and understanding: At threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Barely sufficient capacity

Use of references: Barely appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter: Routine Knowledge 

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Is able to analyse and synthesise correctly. Argues logically and coherently

Use of references: Uses standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of subject matter: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis abilities: Has good analysis and synthesis abilities. Arguments are expressed coherently

Use of references: Uses standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Knowledge more than good

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Has considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis

Use of references: Has deepened the arguments

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: Very good knowledge

Capacity for analysis and synthesis: Has considerable capacity for analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Has significant in-depth knowledge.