B1835 - Biotechnology Applied to Plant Protection

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will understand the molecular and biochemical bases of the interaction between agricultural, forestry and ornamental plants and the various harmful biotic agents. Furthermore, the student will know the biotechnological approaches applied to the diagnosis, characterization, study and control of agricultural plants diseases . The student will gain the tools necessary for the development of the most suitable biotechnological approaches for the eco-compatible control of plant pests, for the design of diagnostic protocols aimed at improving the health quality of plant propagation material and for the development of genetic improvement programs, at nursery and seed level, to obtain varieties compatible with sustainable crop management.

Course contents

Prerequisites

The student who accesses this course must have a comprehensive knowledge of the basics of genetics and molecular biology. In particular, he/she should be familiar with the main concepts of heredity, structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, as well as with the mechanisms of gene regulation and genetic manipulation techniques. He/she should have acquired the fundamentals of the biology of the main pathogenic microorganisms of plants, such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. These topics have already been covered in previous courses and are essential to understand in depth the advanced contents of this course.

Module 1 Prof. Elena Baraldi

Topic 1 – The molecular bases of plant-pathogen interaction. How plants defend themselves, from the perception of the presence of a pathogen to the most intense and effective expression of the immune forms available to plants.

Topic 2 – Biotechnologies for endogenous defense approach. The exploitation of resistance and susceptibility genes in the most advanced biotechnologies applied to defense. The most successful case studies and their application.

Future prospects and notes on European regulation. 

Topic 3 – Biotechnologies for exogenous defense approach.

Strategies based on interfering RNA. Development and applications, from target identification to application in the field. The necessary steps and cases of success and failure.

1. The use of peptides. Types of peptides, their identification and application.

2. The use of nano- or pico- bodies. Discovery and application possibilities.

3. Control of fungal pathogens based on mycoviruses.

Future prospects and notes on European regulation

Laboratory experience – Application of interfering RNA technology to crop protection. Development of dsRNA molecules in the laboratory and applications for plant defense against gray mold from Botrytis cinerea.

 

Module 2 Prof. Riccardo Baroncelli

Topic 1 - Advanced diagnostics
The technical aspects of the main sequencing techniques will be explored, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each in terms of accuracy, costs, sequencing times and specific applications. The module will examine advanced molecular characterization through techniques such as barcoding, multi locus sequence typing (MLST) and the use of sequencing technologies for the characterization of plant pathogens and parasites. Special attention will be paid to the application of these technologies in diagnostics, from taxonomy to functional analysis, with practical examples of pathogen identification through sequencing, introducing the concepts of genomics and metagenomics.

Topic 2 - Genomics of plant pathogens and parasites
The module will cover functional genomics, focusing on the identification of pathogenicity factors and genes involved in the degradation of plant tissues. Practical examples of genomic analyses (comparative, population, etc.) of pathogens will be presented, highlighting how they have led to the identification of key pathogenicity factors. It will be discussed how such genetic elements can be targeted for innovative defense approaches, exploring how understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity can lead to the development of more effective control strategies.

Topic 3 – Gene expression and transcriptomics
The module will explore the study of gene expression and transcriptomics, with a focus on the analysis of expression profiles in response to biotic and abiotic stimuli. Advanced techniques such as RNA-Seq will be discussed, examining their strengths and limitations in terms of accuracy, costs, analysis times and specific applications. Practical examples will show how transcriptomic analysis can be used to identify regulatory genes, metabolic pathways and adaptive responses, demonstrating the potential of these technologies in understanding plant-pathogen interactions.

In the course, we will also address the knowledge needed to delve deeper into these topics, such as bioinformatics. Fundamental bioinformatics tools and methods will be covered for the analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, as well as for the identification and characterization of pathogenicity factors. These skills are essential to develop innovative approaches in the diagnosis and management of plant diseases.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

The material made available in Virtual will be fundamental.

It is also recommended to consult parts of the following texts:
-Vannacci G., Bianco P.A., Bonanomi G., Brunelli A., Gonthier P., Lorito M., Polizzi G., Rossi V., Sarocco S., Scortichini M., 2021 – Plant Pathology. EdiSES University
-edited by: Butturini A. and Galassi T., 2014 - Phytosanitary defense in integrated production. Edagricole
Reverberi M., Ruocco M., Covarelli L., Sella L., 2022 – Molecular Plant Pathology. Piccin Editore

Teaching methods

The course will be developed as classroom lessons, and as laboratory experience for some particular topic.

Specific topics can be developed as invited speaker seminar.

Assessment methods

Written quiz with multiple answers

Teaching tools

Powerpoint lessons in the classroom will be made available in pdf format on the VIRTUAL UINBO platform.

Any communications will be made through the VIRTUAL and/or ALMAESAMI UNIBO platforms

Office hours

See the website of Elena Baraldi

See the website of Riccardo Baroncelli