MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY

Train the students to design and conduct research and activities with innovative tools on: plant/pathogen interaction, induction of plant defenses and soil suppressiveness, microbiome, biotechnological interventions for integrated plant protection and selection of micro-organisms for biocontrol of plant pathogens; and developing and applying investigation protocols for detection, identification and characterisation of beneficial pathogens and micro-organisms.  In detail, the learning outcomes include:

Knowledge and understanding abilities: Specific knowledge and understanding skills on Molecular Plant Pathology as defined above.

Applying knowledge and understanding abilities: Ability to identify research and techniques useful in the study of the plant/pathogen interaction, induction of plant defenses and soil suppressiveness, the interaction of the plant with the microbiome, the development of diagnostic techniques and kits, the selection of microorganisms with beneficial activities.

Making judgements: The set of knowledge and skills acquired through lectures and integrative activities will help to provide the tools to make the appropriate technical choices on the basis of specific requests. During the course of the laboratory activity, the ability to critically analyse the results of the trials will also be verified.

Communication skills: The student will be encouraged to study, individually or in groups, some topics to deepen their knowledge independently and to communicate on the topics covered during the course or laboratory activity.

Learning skills: Ability to learn the scientific concepts of molecular applications for the solution of plant pathology problems and the basis for stimulating autonomy also in relation to subsequent cycles of study.

The course is organised as frontal lecture (28 hrs) and other activities (56 hrs) including laboratory or external activities and seminars. 

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

As a 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 professor Anna De Angelis.

The course contents reflect those of the courses of phytopathological biotechnology or molecular plant pathology that affect the interactions host/pathogen and plant/microbiome; defense technologies based on interference with parasites, the induction of plant defenses and soil suppressiveness; biology of antagonist microorganisms and biopesticides; strategies for the development and application of molecular techniques for the diagnosis and characterization of plant-associated microorganisms. In 2022 a textbook was published that is useful for learning and for taking lessons.

1. Patologia vegetale molecolare. M. Reverberi - M. Ruocco - L. Covarelli - L. Sella 2022, 690 pp. Piccin ISBN 978-88-299-3141-5

The text has been published recently and will be used for many of the topics. The degree of study will be defined by the teacher during the lessons. For those who require additional background information, the following texts can also be consulted at the departmental libraries. Available texts or review in English are available on the topics for Erasmus students.

 - Matta A., Buonaurio R., Favaron F., Scala A., Scala F. 2017. Fondamenti di patologia vegetale (2a edizione), 490 pp. Patron editore ISBN 9788855533829 

-      Belli G. (2012) Elementi di Patologia Vegetale. Piccin Nuova Libraria, Padova. 2nda edizione 454 pp.

Oral exam. For the first question the student has the opportunity to present an in-depth study or a case study on the topics of the course. The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, if the conditions require it. In addition to the relevance of the answers to the questions raised, the quality of the content and the ability to link with other topics covered by the programme and to give examples will be evaluated.

The voting follows the following scheme:

Not suitable  

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. Ability to analyze and synthesize: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently. Using references: Use standard references.

24-26 

Subject knowledge and understanding: Good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments 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 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.